Join the first major local action in the global movement to boycott Israeli shipping
Make a difference! Make history!
Following in the pioneering footsteps of longshore workers and the community stopping the loading and unloading of South African ships in 1977-1984, the picket of an Israeli Zim Line ship at the Port of Oakland will be an historical milestone in the global movement to boycott Israeli shipping to force an end to the illegal Israeli occupation of the Palestinian people.
More than any other protest, this action will initiate a campaign that could ultimately bring the Israeli occupation to its knees. You can make a difference! Large numbers of people are needed at the picket beginning at 5:30 AM at Berth 58 in the Port of Oakland to effectively block the work of unloading and unloading the Israeli ship. The International Longshore Workers Union (ILWU) Local 10 has already voted to condemn the Israeli attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, demand an end to the Israeli blockade of Gaza, an end to U.S. military aid to Israel, and calling for "unions to protest by any action they choose to take." So the workers are with us, and they need our support.
When you think of waking up at 3 AM, consider that that is a small inconvenience compared to the ordeal experienced by the human rights activists on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, and, in turn, their discomfort is small compared to subjugation that Palestinians suffer every day in Gaza and when travelling about the West Bank.
Carpools will depart from at least two locations in the South Bay:
1. Labor Temple, 2102 Almaden Road (at Canoas Garden Road), San Jose - at or before 4:00 AM. Open carpool.
2. San Jose Peace & Justice Center, 48 South 7th Street (south of Santa Clara St), San Jose - 3:30 AM, returning by noon. Please reply to sharatlin@hotmail.com if you need a ride from this location.
3. Contact Chris Banks at christopher.cubillos@gmail.com for carpools from other Bay Area locations.
Dress warmly for the pre-dawn hours. Bring your own water and snacks. Carpools can drop passengers off at Berth 58 at Middle Harbor Road near its intersection with Maritime Street, then go to the West Oakland BART Station to park. Shuttles will take carpool drivers back to Berth 58.
Sharat
Showing posts with label Social Costs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Social Costs. Show all posts
6:27 AM
6:09 AM
Indian govt to amend AFSPA act
Centre may amend AFSPA, Army could lose cover
New Delhi: Notwithstanding opposition from the Army and faced with reports of fake encounters, the government is planning to go ahead with certain amendments in the Armed Forces Special Powers Act which includes handing over of an Army personnel in case of extra-judicial killings to the state authorities.
While of late, Army officials have been raising issues and even terming AFSPA as a 'holy book', government sources feel that there was a need to give a fresh look to the act and make it more humane.
A draft note has been circulated to the law and defence ministries for their comments as the UPA government continues to strive hard to fulfil the assurance made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in carrying out a thorough review of the AFSPA and making it more humane, the sources said.
Once an view is firmed up, the amendments would be listed before the Cabinet Committee on Security, they said.
http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4041153
New Delhi: Notwithstanding opposition from the Army and faced with reports of fake encounters, the government is planning to go ahead with certain amendments in the Armed Forces Special Powers Act which includes handing over of an Army personnel in case of extra-judicial killings to the state authorities.
While of late, Army officials have been raising issues and even terming AFSPA as a 'holy book', government sources feel that there was a need to give a fresh look to the act and make it more humane.
A draft note has been circulated to the law and defence ministries for their comments as the UPA government continues to strive hard to fulfil the assurance made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in carrying out a thorough review of the AFSPA and making it more humane, the sources said.
Once an view is firmed up, the amendments would be listed before the Cabinet Committee on Security, they said.
http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4041153
6:34 AM
Science and Development network newsletter
Changing the innovation culture
As a manifesto for developing country science is launched, Adrian Ely and Kevin Urama argue that finding diverse ways to alleviate poverty and protect the environment should be central to the overhaul of innovation systems.
.News
Iran becomes home to a regional S&T push .
The launch of a centre in Iran that will promote science and technology in the region has been welcomed by scientists.
18 June 2010 | EN
Onwards and upwards for Brazilian science .
Brazil's scientists are delighted with what their president has delivered in recent years and optimistic that his legacy will continue.
18 June 2010 | EN
Source: Nature
China leads international effort to study Pacific Ocean .17 June 2010 | EN
Game theory could help conservation efforts, study finds .17 June 2010 | EN
MORE News.Features
Managing limited water supplies .
Freshwater supplies are limited, says a report, and to continue with present water-use practices would be "to invite disaster".
10 June 2010 | EN
Source: The Economist
A quiet cassava revolution .14 May 2010 | EN | ES
Source: Scientific American
MORE Features.Editorial
Brazil's lessons on science for development .
Brazil must ensure its support for science becomes long-term commitment, not one restricted to the mandate of a particular government.
18 June 2010 | EN | ES
MORE Editorials.Opinions
BioMed Analysis: Conventional innovation isn't enough .
Innovating for health is about more than drug development. It means new ways of delivering and using existing technologies, says Priya Shetty.
17 June 2010 | EN
We must nurture a new innovation politics .
Adrian Ely and Kevin Urama call for a new politics of innovation built around diversity, poverty reduction and environmental sustainability.
14 June 2010 | EN
African aquaculture can flourish with support .9 June 2010 | EN
An IPCC for biodiversity? .7 June 2010 | EN | 中文
Source: Nature
As a manifesto for developing country science is launched, Adrian Ely and Kevin Urama argue that finding diverse ways to alleviate poverty and protect the environment should be central to the overhaul of innovation systems.
.News
Iran becomes home to a regional S&T push .
The launch of a centre in Iran that will promote science and technology in the region has been welcomed by scientists.
18 June 2010 | EN
Onwards and upwards for Brazilian science .
Brazil's scientists are delighted with what their president has delivered in recent years and optimistic that his legacy will continue.
18 June 2010 | EN
Source: Nature
China leads international effort to study Pacific Ocean .17 June 2010 | EN
Game theory could help conservation efforts, study finds .17 June 2010 | EN
MORE News.Features
Managing limited water supplies .
Freshwater supplies are limited, says a report, and to continue with present water-use practices would be "to invite disaster".
10 June 2010 | EN
Source: The Economist
A quiet cassava revolution .14 May 2010 | EN | ES
Source: Scientific American
MORE Features.Editorial
Brazil's lessons on science for development .
Brazil must ensure its support for science becomes long-term commitment, not one restricted to the mandate of a particular government.
18 June 2010 | EN | ES
MORE Editorials.Opinions
BioMed Analysis: Conventional innovation isn't enough .
Innovating for health is about more than drug development. It means new ways of delivering and using existing technologies, says Priya Shetty.
17 June 2010 | EN
We must nurture a new innovation politics .
Adrian Ely and Kevin Urama call for a new politics of innovation built around diversity, poverty reduction and environmental sustainability.
14 June 2010 | EN
African aquaculture can flourish with support .9 June 2010 | EN
An IPCC for biodiversity? .7 June 2010 | EN | 中文
Source: Nature
6:18 AM
Human rights Watch
Newsletter: The Week in Rights
Iranian Society More Closed Than Ever
Hundreds of "Green Revolution" Protesters Remain in Prison
One year after the disputed Iranian presidential election, the atmosphere in Iran is markedly different than the images of mass protests beamed across the airwaves and through cyberspace a year ago. Public demonstrations of dissent have all but disappeared and protesters have been forced underground -- Iran is more of a closed society than ever.
The Iranian government continues to harass civil society activists. Hundreds of protesters arrested during or in the months following the demonstrations languish in jail. At least six have been sentenced to death for their participation in the “green revolution.”
Many of those still in jail have never been charged, tried or convicted, and are often denied access to attorneys or family members for weeks or months on end.
Of those arrested, 250 have been tried and convicted, according to the Iranian judiciary. In addition to the six people slated to be executed, at least nine other dissidents have been hanged in the past year.
After being overwhelmed, at first, by ordinary Iranians spreading information about the protests through cell phones, e-mail, and social media sites, the government increasingly relies on surveillance and filtering technology to disrupt the flow of information to and from Iran's phone and Internet users.
On June 10 – two days before the anniversary of the protests – Iran formally rejected a number of important human rights recommendations made by the UN Human Rights Council in February.
Read about growing repression in Iran »
Photo: © 2009 Reuters
Help Stop Dictator Science Prize
UNESCO Prize Linked to Equatorial Guinea's Corrupt President
A June 15 meeting may be the last time the board of UNESCO, the United Nations body responsible for education and science, can block plans to award a life sciences prize financed by and named for the dictator of Equatorial Guinea.
UNESCO sources told Human Rights Watch that unless some of the 58 countries on the governing executive board voice objections, the UNESCO-Obiang Nguema Mbasogo International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences will be awarded at a ceremony tentatively planned for late June.
President Obiang gave US$3 million to fund the prize. Although Equatorial Guinea’s oil wealth gives it a per capita GDP on par with Spain’s, vast corruption benefitting the elite squanders funds that could be spent to improve conditions.
Socio-economic indicators reveal that Equatorial Guinea’s population suffers conditions worse than those of many war-torn regions. Many people lack clean drinking water, and a higher percentage of children under 5 years old die in Equatorial Guinea than anywhere else in the world.
Ask your government to oppose the UNESCO-Obiang prize before it’s too late. Find the contact information for your country’s delegate here.
Read more»
Photo: © 2009 Reuters
Most Popular Headlines
DR Congo: Prominent Human Rights Defender Killed
Floribert Chebeya Bahizire 's shocking death is a serious blow for human rights in the Congo. The announced police investigation needs United Nations help if it is to be credible and transparent and bring all those responsible to justice.
Jamaica: Investigate Killings In Tivoli Gardens
An independent and impartial investigation by Jamaican authorities is critical to determine whether any of the killings by state security forces in the Tivoli Gardens section of Kingston were in fact the result of excessive force or outright executions.
EU: Defer Hasty Returns of Migrant Children
Returning migrant children to their country of origin just won't work for every child. Before deporting vulnerable kids to places like Afghanistan, EU governments need to make sure it is in the children's best interests.
Editor's Picks
India: Prosecute Soldiers in Kashmir 'Encounter Killing’
The recent killing of three men by soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir in an apparent faked encounter with so-called militants underscores the urgency for the Indian government to repeal the Special Powers Act. Under the Act, soldiers may not be prosecuted in a civilian court unless sanctioned by the federal government, which is extremely rare.
Putrajaya’s 1st international human rights test
by Phil Robertson
Malaysiakini
When Malaysia joined the United Nations' Human Rights Council in Geneva, it pledged to "promote greater coherence" between the council's human rights goals and the rest of the UN's work. Malaysia also said it would use its position on the council to promote economic, social and cultural rights. An upcoming meeting in Paris offers a test of those commitments.
Morocco: Police Harass Two Outspoken Journalists
The police have pounced on a business dispute to harass and humiliate two bold journalists, Ali Amar and Zineb El Rhazoui. The police misconduct gives every reason to fear what kind of justice awaits Ali Amar.
Podcasts
HRW Film Festival:
The filmmakers discuss their movie, “Out in the Silence." It’s about being gay in small town America.
Join us at the Human Rights Watch Film Festival in New York, June 11 - 24.
“Iran: Voices of the Unheard” brings us the story of Iranian secularists through three fascinating characters.
On each side of “12th & Delaware,” people stand locked in a heated battle. On one side of the street sits an abortion clinic. On the other side, a pro-life center.
“Enemies of the People” follows the project of Thet Sambath, whose parents perished under the Khmer Rouge regime.
Publications
World Report 2010
Purchase a bound copy of the edition
Download PDF
http://www.hrw.org/newsletter?tr=y&auid=6508905
Iranian Society More Closed Than Ever
Hundreds of "Green Revolution" Protesters Remain in Prison
One year after the disputed Iranian presidential election, the atmosphere in Iran is markedly different than the images of mass protests beamed across the airwaves and through cyberspace a year ago. Public demonstrations of dissent have all but disappeared and protesters have been forced underground -- Iran is more of a closed society than ever.
The Iranian government continues to harass civil society activists. Hundreds of protesters arrested during or in the months following the demonstrations languish in jail. At least six have been sentenced to death for their participation in the “green revolution.”
Many of those still in jail have never been charged, tried or convicted, and are often denied access to attorneys or family members for weeks or months on end.
Of those arrested, 250 have been tried and convicted, according to the Iranian judiciary. In addition to the six people slated to be executed, at least nine other dissidents have been hanged in the past year.
After being overwhelmed, at first, by ordinary Iranians spreading information about the protests through cell phones, e-mail, and social media sites, the government increasingly relies on surveillance and filtering technology to disrupt the flow of information to and from Iran's phone and Internet users.
On June 10 – two days before the anniversary of the protests – Iran formally rejected a number of important human rights recommendations made by the UN Human Rights Council in February.
Read about growing repression in Iran »
Photo: © 2009 Reuters
Help Stop Dictator Science Prize
UNESCO Prize Linked to Equatorial Guinea's Corrupt President
A June 15 meeting may be the last time the board of UNESCO, the United Nations body responsible for education and science, can block plans to award a life sciences prize financed by and named for the dictator of Equatorial Guinea.
UNESCO sources told Human Rights Watch that unless some of the 58 countries on the governing executive board voice objections, the UNESCO-Obiang Nguema Mbasogo International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences will be awarded at a ceremony tentatively planned for late June.
President Obiang gave US$3 million to fund the prize. Although Equatorial Guinea’s oil wealth gives it a per capita GDP on par with Spain’s, vast corruption benefitting the elite squanders funds that could be spent to improve conditions.
Socio-economic indicators reveal that Equatorial Guinea’s population suffers conditions worse than those of many war-torn regions. Many people lack clean drinking water, and a higher percentage of children under 5 years old die in Equatorial Guinea than anywhere else in the world.
Ask your government to oppose the UNESCO-Obiang prize before it’s too late. Find the contact information for your country’s delegate here.
Read more»
Photo: © 2009 Reuters
Most Popular Headlines
DR Congo: Prominent Human Rights Defender Killed
Floribert Chebeya Bahizire 's shocking death is a serious blow for human rights in the Congo. The announced police investigation needs United Nations help if it is to be credible and transparent and bring all those responsible to justice.
Jamaica: Investigate Killings In Tivoli Gardens
An independent and impartial investigation by Jamaican authorities is critical to determine whether any of the killings by state security forces in the Tivoli Gardens section of Kingston were in fact the result of excessive force or outright executions.
EU: Defer Hasty Returns of Migrant Children
Returning migrant children to their country of origin just won't work for every child. Before deporting vulnerable kids to places like Afghanistan, EU governments need to make sure it is in the children's best interests.
Editor's Picks
India: Prosecute Soldiers in Kashmir 'Encounter Killing’
The recent killing of three men by soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir in an apparent faked encounter with so-called militants underscores the urgency for the Indian government to repeal the Special Powers Act. Under the Act, soldiers may not be prosecuted in a civilian court unless sanctioned by the federal government, which is extremely rare.
Putrajaya’s 1st international human rights test
by Phil Robertson
Malaysiakini
When Malaysia joined the United Nations' Human Rights Council in Geneva, it pledged to "promote greater coherence" between the council's human rights goals and the rest of the UN's work. Malaysia also said it would use its position on the council to promote economic, social and cultural rights. An upcoming meeting in Paris offers a test of those commitments.
Morocco: Police Harass Two Outspoken Journalists
The police have pounced on a business dispute to harass and humiliate two bold journalists, Ali Amar and Zineb El Rhazoui. The police misconduct gives every reason to fear what kind of justice awaits Ali Amar.
Podcasts
HRW Film Festival:
The filmmakers discuss their movie, “Out in the Silence." It’s about being gay in small town America.
Join us at the Human Rights Watch Film Festival in New York, June 11 - 24.
“Iran: Voices of the Unheard” brings us the story of Iranian secularists through three fascinating characters.
On each side of “12th & Delaware,” people stand locked in a heated battle. On one side of the street sits an abortion clinic. On the other side, a pro-life center.
“Enemies of the People” follows the project of Thet Sambath, whose parents perished under the Khmer Rouge regime.
Publications
World Report 2010
Purchase a bound copy of the edition
Download PDF
http://www.hrw.org/newsletter?tr=y&auid=6508905
4:24 AM
Readings on Afghanisthan
I thought these articles were worth reading about the war in Afghanistan. Apparently, the recent revelation about $1-trillion-worth of mineral wealth being discovered in Afghanistan has been known for quite some time. The timing of the story's release coincides with declining public support for the war.
http://socialistworker.org/2010/06/17/assessing-the-afghan-surge
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=51819
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-jay/us-knew-about-afghan-mine_b_610829.html
U.S. imperialism extends further into Central Asia, as well. In this case, Kyrgyzstan.
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/06/16-4
If you want news about Afghanistan that is not saturated with corporate and imperialist propaganda, I recommend that you read Anand Gopal's blog.
I'm also reading Robert Fisk's magnum opus "The Great War for Civilisation: The Conquest of the Middle East", which chronicles the British journalist's 30+ years of reporting in the Middle East. It covers many tumultuous events in Middle Eastern history, such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Iran-Iraq War, the Persian Gulf War and 2003 U.S invasion of Iraq, the Armenian Genocide, the Iranian Revolution, and the Algerian Civil War. It's a huge book (over 1,300 pages) but it is very interesting and Fisk's stuff is generally pretty good. Unlike most journalists who cover the Middle East (especially from the West), he doesn't buy into the Western imperialist propaganda line and is very critical of American and British policies in the Middle East. For example, here's an op-ed he wrote for The Independent criticizing Israeli propaganda for whitewashing its massacre of the Gaza aid flotilla (along with Israel's other massacres throughout history).
Hope this reading enlightens you.
--
Adam Hudson
hudson.adam1@gmail.com
adamhudson@stanfordalumni.org
http://ajhudson.wordpress.com/
"...for ourselves and for humanity, comrades, we must make a new start, develop a new way of thinking, and endeavor to create a new man."
-- Frantz Fanon, "The Wretched of the Earth"
http://socialistworker.org/2010/06/17/assessing-the-afghan-surge
http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=51819
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-jay/us-knew-about-afghan-mine_b_610829.html
U.S. imperialism extends further into Central Asia, as well. In this case, Kyrgyzstan.
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2010/06/16-4
If you want news about Afghanistan that is not saturated with corporate and imperialist propaganda, I recommend that you read Anand Gopal's blog.
I'm also reading Robert Fisk's magnum opus "The Great War for Civilisation: The Conquest of the Middle East", which chronicles the British journalist's 30+ years of reporting in the Middle East. It covers many tumultuous events in Middle Eastern history, such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Iran-Iraq War, the Persian Gulf War and 2003 U.S invasion of Iraq, the Armenian Genocide, the Iranian Revolution, and the Algerian Civil War. It's a huge book (over 1,300 pages) but it is very interesting and Fisk's stuff is generally pretty good. Unlike most journalists who cover the Middle East (especially from the West), he doesn't buy into the Western imperialist propaganda line and is very critical of American and British policies in the Middle East. For example, here's an op-ed he wrote for The Independent criticizing Israeli propaganda for whitewashing its massacre of the Gaza aid flotilla (along with Israel's other massacres throughout history).
Hope this reading enlightens you.
--
Adam Hudson
hudson.adam1@gmail.com
adamhudson@stanfordalumni.org
http://ajhudson.wordpress.com/
"...for ourselves and for humanity, comrades, we must make a new start, develop a new way of thinking, and endeavor to create a new man."
-- Frantz Fanon, "The Wretched of the Earth"
4:22 AM
Gaza protests
Fadi Quran to Adam, scai_officers, say_no_to_war
show details 3:18 AM (13 hours ago)
My best friend Aboud being arrested after being beaten up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq0UyWNDpYQ
show details 3:18 AM (13 hours ago)
My best friend Aboud being arrested after being beaten up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq0UyWNDpYQ
4:20 AM
Demonstration in UK about Gaza
About two weeks ago, Oxford had a demonstration of about 150 people against Israel's massacre of the Gaza aid flotilla. Some of my friends are in this video so I thought I'd share it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7JS5IlJGNE
[btw, the date of the video is June 3, 2010 in the English spelling]
--
Adam Hudson
hudson.adam1@gmail.com
adamhudson@stanfordalumni.org
http://ajhudson.wordpress.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7JS5IlJGNE
[btw, the date of the video is June 3, 2010 in the English spelling]
--
Adam Hudson
hudson.adam1@gmail.com
adamhudson@stanfordalumni.org
http://ajhudson.wordpress.com/
4:19 AM
Interview on Afghanisthan and Pakistan
Two recent interviews with the great Kathy Kelly on escalating US killing of people in afghanistan and pakistan, and growing calls from the UN and the locally affected for the US to pull back and/or withdraw.
June 10: http://www.democracynow.org/2010/6/10/peace_activist_kathy_kelly_on_the
(transcript below)
June 14: http://www.flashpoints.net/?p=1103 (first guest tonight on Flashpoints)
Peace Activist Kathy Kelly on the Secret US War in Pakistan
Kathy-kelly (from Democracy Now, 6/10/2010)
In Pakistan, where the undeclared US war continues to expand, armed fighters attacked a convoy carrying military vehicles for NATO forces in Afghanistan, torching fifty trucks, killing seven, and injuring another seven. Last week, a senior United Nations official formally asked the Obama administration to halt or scale back CIA drone strikes on alleged militant suspects in Pakistan. For a perspective on what US policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan looks like on the ground, were joined here in New York by longtime activist Kathy Kelly. She just returned from a trip to Pakistan and Afghanistan, where she met with those she describes as "the impoverished and war-weary." [includes rush transcript]
Guest:
Kathy Kelly, coordinator of Voices for Creative Nonviolence. She just returned from a trip to Pakistan and Afghanistan.
JUAN GONZALEZ: The US-led war in Afghanistan is now in its 104th month. Its become the longest war in US history.
At least forty people were killed and seventy-seven injured by a suicide bomb attack on a wedding party in southern Afghanistan on Thursday. On Wednesday, insurgents shot down a NATO helicopter in Helmand province and killed four US soldiers. Meanwhile, in neighboring Pakistan, where the undeclared US war continues to expand, armed fighters attacked a convoy carrying military vehicles for NATO forces in Afghanistan, torching fifty trucks, killing seven, and injuring another seven.
Last week, a senior United Nations official formally asked the Obama administration to halt or scale back CIA drone attacks on alleged militant suspects in Pakistan. In a report to the UN Human Rights Council, Philip Alston, the United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, said US secrecy around the drone program is undermining international law.
PHILIP ALSTON: Because this program remains shrouded in official secrecy, the international community does not know when and where the CIA is authorized to kill, the criteria for individuals who may be killed, how it ensures killings are legal, and what follow-up there is when civilians are illegally killed. In a situation in which there is no disclosure of who has been killed, for what reason, and whether innocent civilians have died, the legal principle of international accountability is, by definition, comprehensively violated.
AMY GOODMAN: Well, for a perspective on what US policy towards Afghanistan and Pakistan looks like on the ground, were joined here in New York by longtime activist Kathy Kelly. She just returned from a trip to Pakistan and Afghanistan, where she met with those she describes as "the impoverished and the war-weary." Kathy Kelly is coordinator of Voices for Creative Nonviolence.
Welcome to Democracy Now!, Kathy. Its good to have you back. Talk about what you found.
KATHY KELLY: Thank you, Amy and Juan.
In Pakistan, there were people who were holding out hope that a budget that was going to be passed, which has been passed since I returned to the United States a few days ago, might make some possibility for them to feed their families. And in fact the money went to increase salaries for the police, for the military. But there will be millions of people very, very disappointed and among the newly destitute in Pakistan.
So when the United States had earlier said, "Do more," you know, it seems as though weve turned the country into a poorly paid mercenary used again and again as a proxy for fighting for United States national interests. But what about the interests of people that are beaten down by terrible poverty? This was one reality that was certainly evident when we went last year at about this time, and there were 3.5 million new refugees who had been displaced from their homes by military offensives. And now, no journalist is allowed to go into the areas around North and South Waziristan. Theres not really much knowledge about the conditions amongst people who have been displaced.
And also, you just get maybe twelve words about every drone attack and the presumption on the part of the United States that anybody who lived in any proximity to somebody the United States thinks might be a militant deserved to die. Well, why would a child deserve to be mutilated or killed, just because he or she is living with the mother and the father and the grandparents and the rest of the family?
JUAN GONZALEZ: And what did youwhat were you able to notice in terms of a change since your last visit to Pakistan, in terms of the conditions of the people that you were able to talk to?
KATHY KELLY: Well, I mean, one thing that was obvious to me was that the last year when I was there, people were very, very cautious, saying, "Oh, you cant possibly go anywhere near that area. No, you cant go there." And while its true that no one can go in the areas closest to North and South Waziristan, I think people have been so traumatized, so accustomed to the random impact of bombings in their cities, that they just said, "Oh, yeah, take the public bus." There wasnt that kind of anxiety or caution.
I also felt that the "load shedding"is the word thats used to refer to the electrical outagesits worse this year than it was last year. And this has taken its toll on people. Just, for instance, the textile industry cant function if their factories are closed down with eight hours loss of electricity every day. And so the numbers of people that are jobless, homeless, and out on the streets and willing to demonstrate, which is very risky to do in a country with so much military control. But we spent a long time sitting with the Pakistani Clerks Association, who were out demonstrating. They were in their third month. Students were in their tenth day of demonstrating, saying that they had all been summarily dismissed from their jobs, and what would they do? So this, by no means, is coalescing into something youd call a revolution, but the pressure is on from in every city. In many different quarters, people are saying that they cant continue like this.
JUAN GONZALEZ: And the big IMF aid package that Pakistan got, talk about that and the strings attached to it.
KATHY KELLY: Well, the main string is the value added tax. People are already paying 15 to 17 percent sales taxes, and now, on top of that, a new tax. Its less evident, but in fact people are quite aware of what the consequences are going to be, and so there are many, many protests against that. And repeatedly, people said, "Just tell the IMF to go, tell the World Bank to go." But, of course, they dont have much of a democratic representation. And the military in Pakistan controls the sugar industry, the textiles industry, pharmaceuticals industry. Theyre huge land owners, and so its very difficult to negotiate for something that the military doesnt want, and of course the military is in conversation with the United States.
AMY GOODMAN: We only have a minute left, but how do Pakistanis and people in Afghanistan view President Obama versus President Bush?
KATHY KELLY: Tremendous disappointment. I think that in Afghanistan people dont want their invaders to be dictating their future in collusion with the warlord agents that are people that they havent been able to control. But I think there was some hope that President Obama would initiate a readiness to negotiate, to look for peaceful settlements, and not to continue to send more and more armed soldiers into their midst.
AMY GOODMAN: Final thoughts that you want to leave people with, as youve just returned, that you didnt get from the media in the United States before you left?
KATHY KELLY: Well, the United States is at war against a people who have meant us no harm, and they are the ones who are bearing the brunt every single day of a war for which we are responsible, for which we are paying. So it must become part of the discussion within the United States. And as Juan mentioned, were now looking toward the ninth year of warfare against Afghanistan. People deserve negotiation and peace.
AMY GOODMAN: Kathy Kelly, thanks so much for being with us, coordinator of Voices for Creative Nonviolence.
June 10: http://www.democracynow.org/2010/6/10/peace_activist_kathy_kelly_on_the
(transcript below)
June 14: http://www.flashpoints.net/?p=1103 (first guest tonight on Flashpoints)
Peace Activist Kathy Kelly on the Secret US War in Pakistan
Kathy-kelly (from Democracy Now, 6/10/2010)
In Pakistan, where the undeclared US war continues to expand, armed fighters attacked a convoy carrying military vehicles for NATO forces in Afghanistan, torching fifty trucks, killing seven, and injuring another seven. Last week, a senior United Nations official formally asked the Obama administration to halt or scale back CIA drone strikes on alleged militant suspects in Pakistan. For a perspective on what US policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan looks like on the ground, were joined here in New York by longtime activist Kathy Kelly. She just returned from a trip to Pakistan and Afghanistan, where she met with those she describes as "the impoverished and war-weary." [includes rush transcript]
Guest:
Kathy Kelly, coordinator of Voices for Creative Nonviolence. She just returned from a trip to Pakistan and Afghanistan.
JUAN GONZALEZ: The US-led war in Afghanistan is now in its 104th month. Its become the longest war in US history.
At least forty people were killed and seventy-seven injured by a suicide bomb attack on a wedding party in southern Afghanistan on Thursday. On Wednesday, insurgents shot down a NATO helicopter in Helmand province and killed four US soldiers. Meanwhile, in neighboring Pakistan, where the undeclared US war continues to expand, armed fighters attacked a convoy carrying military vehicles for NATO forces in Afghanistan, torching fifty trucks, killing seven, and injuring another seven.
Last week, a senior United Nations official formally asked the Obama administration to halt or scale back CIA drone attacks on alleged militant suspects in Pakistan. In a report to the UN Human Rights Council, Philip Alston, the United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, said US secrecy around the drone program is undermining international law.
PHILIP ALSTON: Because this program remains shrouded in official secrecy, the international community does not know when and where the CIA is authorized to kill, the criteria for individuals who may be killed, how it ensures killings are legal, and what follow-up there is when civilians are illegally killed. In a situation in which there is no disclosure of who has been killed, for what reason, and whether innocent civilians have died, the legal principle of international accountability is, by definition, comprehensively violated.
AMY GOODMAN: Well, for a perspective on what US policy towards Afghanistan and Pakistan looks like on the ground, were joined here in New York by longtime activist Kathy Kelly. She just returned from a trip to Pakistan and Afghanistan, where she met with those she describes as "the impoverished and the war-weary." Kathy Kelly is coordinator of Voices for Creative Nonviolence.
Welcome to Democracy Now!, Kathy. Its good to have you back. Talk about what you found.
KATHY KELLY: Thank you, Amy and Juan.
In Pakistan, there were people who were holding out hope that a budget that was going to be passed, which has been passed since I returned to the United States a few days ago, might make some possibility for them to feed their families. And in fact the money went to increase salaries for the police, for the military. But there will be millions of people very, very disappointed and among the newly destitute in Pakistan.
So when the United States had earlier said, "Do more," you know, it seems as though weve turned the country into a poorly paid mercenary used again and again as a proxy for fighting for United States national interests. But what about the interests of people that are beaten down by terrible poverty? This was one reality that was certainly evident when we went last year at about this time, and there were 3.5 million new refugees who had been displaced from their homes by military offensives. And now, no journalist is allowed to go into the areas around North and South Waziristan. Theres not really much knowledge about the conditions amongst people who have been displaced.
And also, you just get maybe twelve words about every drone attack and the presumption on the part of the United States that anybody who lived in any proximity to somebody the United States thinks might be a militant deserved to die. Well, why would a child deserve to be mutilated or killed, just because he or she is living with the mother and the father and the grandparents and the rest of the family?
JUAN GONZALEZ: And what did youwhat were you able to notice in terms of a change since your last visit to Pakistan, in terms of the conditions of the people that you were able to talk to?
KATHY KELLY: Well, I mean, one thing that was obvious to me was that the last year when I was there, people were very, very cautious, saying, "Oh, you cant possibly go anywhere near that area. No, you cant go there." And while its true that no one can go in the areas closest to North and South Waziristan, I think people have been so traumatized, so accustomed to the random impact of bombings in their cities, that they just said, "Oh, yeah, take the public bus." There wasnt that kind of anxiety or caution.
I also felt that the "load shedding"is the word thats used to refer to the electrical outagesits worse this year than it was last year. And this has taken its toll on people. Just, for instance, the textile industry cant function if their factories are closed down with eight hours loss of electricity every day. And so the numbers of people that are jobless, homeless, and out on the streets and willing to demonstrate, which is very risky to do in a country with so much military control. But we spent a long time sitting with the Pakistani Clerks Association, who were out demonstrating. They were in their third month. Students were in their tenth day of demonstrating, saying that they had all been summarily dismissed from their jobs, and what would they do? So this, by no means, is coalescing into something youd call a revolution, but the pressure is on from in every city. In many different quarters, people are saying that they cant continue like this.
JUAN GONZALEZ: And the big IMF aid package that Pakistan got, talk about that and the strings attached to it.
KATHY KELLY: Well, the main string is the value added tax. People are already paying 15 to 17 percent sales taxes, and now, on top of that, a new tax. Its less evident, but in fact people are quite aware of what the consequences are going to be, and so there are many, many protests against that. And repeatedly, people said, "Just tell the IMF to go, tell the World Bank to go." But, of course, they dont have much of a democratic representation. And the military in Pakistan controls the sugar industry, the textiles industry, pharmaceuticals industry. Theyre huge land owners, and so its very difficult to negotiate for something that the military doesnt want, and of course the military is in conversation with the United States.
AMY GOODMAN: We only have a minute left, but how do Pakistanis and people in Afghanistan view President Obama versus President Bush?
KATHY KELLY: Tremendous disappointment. I think that in Afghanistan people dont want their invaders to be dictating their future in collusion with the warlord agents that are people that they havent been able to control. But I think there was some hope that President Obama would initiate a readiness to negotiate, to look for peaceful settlements, and not to continue to send more and more armed soldiers into their midst.
AMY GOODMAN: Final thoughts that you want to leave people with, as youve just returned, that you didnt get from the media in the United States before you left?
KATHY KELLY: Well, the United States is at war against a people who have meant us no harm, and they are the ones who are bearing the brunt every single day of a war for which we are responsible, for which we are paying. So it must become part of the discussion within the United States. And as Juan mentioned, were now looking toward the ninth year of warfare against Afghanistan. People deserve negotiation and peace.
AMY GOODMAN: Kathy Kelly, thanks so much for being with us, coordinator of Voices for Creative Nonviolence.
4:14 AM
PPJC events and contributions
Peter Beinart - Senior Fellow, New America Foundation
The Icarus Syndrome: A History of American Hubris
Thursday, June 23, 7:30 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto
$5 ~ $15 suggested donation Advance tickets available online
Click here for complete details
Free Monthly Forum / TV Show
Giants in Turmoil: India & China Confront Social Turmoil
Tuesday, July 6, 7:00 PM
Community Media Center, 900 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto
Free and open to all
Click here for complete details
Cuba Caravan Sendoff - Fiesta & Potluck
End the blockade of Cuba!
Friday, July 9, 6:00 PM
Unitarian Unviersalist Fellowship
2124 Brewster, Redwood City
Free and open to all - Make a contribution to support the caravan
Click here for complete details
Robert Scheer - Legendary journalist, author
The Great American Stickup: Greedy Bankers & the Politicans who Love Them
Saturday, September 11, 7:30 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto
$7 ~ $15 suggested donation
Click here for complete details
Robert Fisk - Renowned British foreign correspondent
Lies, Misreporting, and Catastrophes in the Middle East
Saturday, September 25, 7:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church, 1140 Cowper Street, Palo Alto
$12 ~ $25 suggested donation
The Icarus Syndrome: A History of American Hubris
Thursday, June 23, 7:30 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto
$5 ~ $15 suggested donation Advance tickets available online
Click here for complete details
Free Monthly Forum / TV Show
Giants in Turmoil: India & China Confront Social Turmoil
Tuesday, July 6, 7:00 PM
Community Media Center, 900 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto
Free and open to all
Click here for complete details
Cuba Caravan Sendoff - Fiesta & Potluck
End the blockade of Cuba!
Friday, July 9, 6:00 PM
Unitarian Unviersalist Fellowship
2124 Brewster, Redwood City
Free and open to all - Make a contribution to support the caravan
Click here for complete details
Robert Scheer - Legendary journalist, author
The Great American Stickup: Greedy Bankers & the Politicans who Love Them
Saturday, September 11, 7:30 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto
$7 ~ $15 suggested donation
Click here for complete details
Robert Fisk - Renowned British foreign correspondent
Lies, Misreporting, and Catastrophes in the Middle East
Saturday, September 25, 7:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church, 1140 Cowper Street, Palo Alto
$12 ~ $25 suggested donation
4:12 AM
Peninsula Peace Justice Center
Upcoming programs from PPJC
Peter Beinart - Senior Fellow, New America Foundation
The Icarus Syndrome: A History of American Hubris
Thursday, June 23, 7:30 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto
$5 ~ $15 suggested donation Advance tickets available online
Click here for complete details
Free Monthly Forum / TV Show
Giants in Turmoil: India & China Confront Social Turmoil
Tuesday, July 6, 7:00 PM
Community Media Center, 900 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto
Free and open to all
Click here for complete details
Cuba Caravan Sendoff - Fiesta & Potluck
End the blockade of Cuba!
Friday, July 9, 6:00 PM
Unitarian Unviersalist Fellowship
2124 Brewster, Redwood City
Free and open to all - Make a contribution to support the caravan
Click here for complete details
Robert Scheer - Legendary journalist, author
The Great American Stickup: Greedy Bankers & the Politicans who Love Them
Saturday, September 11, 7:30 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto
$7 ~ $15 suggested donation
Click here for complete details
Robert Fisk - Renowned British foreign correspondent
Lies, Misreporting, and Catastrophes in the Middle East
Saturday, September 25, 7:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church, 1140 Cowper Street, Palo Alto
$12 ~ $25 suggested donation
Peter Beinart - Senior Fellow, New America Foundation
The Icarus Syndrome: A History of American Hubris
Thursday, June 23, 7:30 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto
$5 ~ $15 suggested donation Advance tickets available online
Click here for complete details
Free Monthly Forum / TV Show
Giants in Turmoil: India & China Confront Social Turmoil
Tuesday, July 6, 7:00 PM
Community Media Center, 900 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto
Free and open to all
Click here for complete details
Cuba Caravan Sendoff - Fiesta & Potluck
End the blockade of Cuba!
Friday, July 9, 6:00 PM
Unitarian Unviersalist Fellowship
2124 Brewster, Redwood City
Free and open to all - Make a contribution to support the caravan
Click here for complete details
Robert Scheer - Legendary journalist, author
The Great American Stickup: Greedy Bankers & the Politicans who Love Them
Saturday, September 11, 7:30 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto
$7 ~ $15 suggested donation
Click here for complete details
Robert Fisk - Renowned British foreign correspondent
Lies, Misreporting, and Catastrophes in the Middle East
Saturday, September 25, 7:30 PM
First Presbyterian Church, 1140 Cowper Street, Palo Alto
$12 ~ $25 suggested donation
4:09 AM
The Peace and Justice Community Calendar
Table of Contents (details follow):
PPJC-Sponsored Events
Wednesday 23-Jun - The Icarus Syndrome: A History of American Hubris
Tuesday 06-Jul - Free Forum: Global Giants India and China in Turmoil
Friday 09-Jul - Cuba Caravan 2010 - Fiesta & Potluck
Other Groups' Events
Saturday 19-Jun - Peace Picnic for Aung San Suu Kyi's Birthday
Saturday 19-Jun - Fundraiser for California People of Faith Working Against the Death Penalty
Sunday 20-Jun - Labor Community Picket of an Israeli Zim Line ship
Wednesday 23-Jun - International Day in Support of Victims of Torture - Film Screening of The Response
Wednesday 23-Jun - A Palestinian Epic, Mornings in Jenin
Thursday 24-Jun - Marylia Kelley on Achieving Nuclear Disarmament in the Age of Obama
Thursday 24-Jun - A Palestinian Epic, Mornings in Jenin
Sunday 27-Jun - Olympia Brown: Remarkable Suffragist
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PPJC Event Details
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Peter Beinart - The Icarus Syndrome: A History of American Hubris
Wednesday, June 23 2010 @ 07:30 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church
505 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto
An author event with
PETER BEINART
Senior Political Writer for The Daily Beast // Associate Professor of Journalism and Political Science, City Univ. of New York // Senior Fellow, New America Foundation
$5 ~ $15 Sliding Scale / Wheelchair Accessible
Copies of "The Icarus Syndrome: A History of American Hubris" will be available for purchase and signing by the author.
hu·bris (hyu'bris) n. Overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance
In The Icarus Syndrome, Peter Beinart tells a tale as old as the Greeks -- a story about the seductions of success. Beinart describes Washington on the eve of three wars -- World War One, Vietnam, and Iraq -- three moments when American leaders decided they could remake the world in their image. Each time, leading intellectuals declared that history was over, and the spread of democracy was inevitable. Each time, a president held the nation in the palm of his hand. And each time, a war conceived in arrogance brought untold tragedy.
In dazzling color, Beinart portrays three extraordinary generations: the progressives who took America into World War I, led by Woodrow Wilson, the lonely preacher's son who became the closest thing to a political messiah the world had ever seen. The Camelot intellectuals who took America into Vietnam, led by Lyndon Johnson, who lay awake at night after night shaking with fear that his countrymen considered him weak. And George W. Bush and the post-cold war neoconservatives, the romantic bullies who believed they could bludgeon the Middle East and liberate it at the same time. Like Icarus, each of these generations crafted "wings" -- a theory about America's relationship to the world. They flapped carefully at first, but gradually lost their inhibitions until, giddy with success, they flew into the sun.
But every era also brought new leaders and thinkers who found wisdom in pain. They reconciled American optimism -- our belief that anything is possible -- with the realities of a world that will never fully bend to our will. In their struggles lie the seeds of American renewal today. Based on years of research, The Icarus Syndrome is a provocative and strikingly original account of hubris in the American century -- and how we learn from the tragedies that result.
Peter Beinart is associate professor of journalism and political science at the City University of New York and a senior fellow at the New America Foundation. He is the senior political writer for The Daily Beast and a contributor to Time. Beinart is a former fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and is the author of The Good Fight. He lives with his family in Washington, D.C.
Presented by
Peninsula Peace and Justice www.PeaceandJustice.org
and
The Commonwealth Club www.commonwealthclub.org
Event URL: http://peaceandjustice.org/article.php?story=Icarus_Syndrome_June_23
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Free Forum: Global Giants India and China in Turmoil
Tuesday, July 06 2010 @ 07:00 PM
Community Media Center
900 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto
Global Giants in Turmoil: China and India confront growing popular upsurges amid growing government repression
A conversation with Robert Weil and Dave Pugh
Political Analysts, Activists
The broiling social situation in China is much in the news these days. This month's forum will examine both China's internal conditions and its relations with the U.S. and globally. Despite its ability to get through the current economic crisis relatively better than most, new weaknesses have been exposed, and its ability to maintain a "harmonious society" are under growing challenge. Though its relationship to the U.S. waxes and wanes, there are also deepening contradictions there.
The situation in India is even more explosive, with a full blown revolutionary struggle -- which calls itself "Maoist" --taking place in the heart of the country. There has been little attention paid to this in the U.S. -- despite its growing ties with the Indian establishment, in part to counter the Chinese. Also little reported is India's "Green Hunt" campaign, which is devastating the civilian population as the Army attempts to shut down the rebel insurgency.
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Arundhati Roy: Walking with the Comrades
The antagonists in the forest are disparate and unequal in almost every way. On one side is a massive paramilitary force armed with the money, the firepower, the media, and the hubris of an emerging Superpower.
On the other, ordinary villagers armed with traditional weapons, backed by a superbly organized, hugely motivated Maoist guerilla fighting force with an extraordinary and violent history of armed rebellion. The Maoists and the paramilitary are old adversaries and have fought older avatars of each other several times before...
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Our guests are both longtime political activists and analsysts who have spent substantial time recently in India and previously in China. Weil is the author of "Red Cat, White Cat: China and the Contradictions of 'Market Socialism'".
Free and open to all. Wheelchair accessible.
Simultaneous live TV broadcast on cable channel 27, Mid-Peninsula area.
Simultaneous live Internet webcast at the Community Media Center's website:
http://www.midpenmedia.org/watch/stream/ (select channel 27)
Event URL: http://peaceandjustice.org/article.php?story=OtherVoices_July_6_2010
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Cuba Caravan 2010 - Fiesta & Potluck
Friday, July 09 2010 @ 06:00 PM
Social Hall, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
2124 Brewster, Redwood City
Bring a potluck dish to share! Live music! Speakers!
Cuba Caravan 2010 - End the blockade of Cuba!
Here's how you can help this year's "Friendshipment" to Cuba...
1. Make a donation to help with the costs of the caravan.
You can make a secure donation through our online store using your credit card or PayPal. http://bit.ly/bKNraX
2. Donate material aid to go on the caravan to Cuba. (Follow the URL in this listing for info on donating material aid.)
Bring a potluck dish to share! Live music! Speakers!
Sponsored by Peninsula Peace and Justice Center & the Social Action Committee of UU Fellowship Redwood City
Many of us hoped that President Obama's election would bring about some changes in many aspects of US policy -- including the ending of the illegal, immoral, and internationally condemned US economic blockade against Cuba. By now, a year has passed: but the fundamental mechanisms of the blockade remain in full force, with just a few small exceptions. Cuban-Americans are now allowed to more freely visit their families, several cultural exchanges have been allowed, and some bilateral talks have resumed.
But Cuba is still deemed an 'enemy' under the Trading with the Enemies Act. Sales of US products to Cuba are still severely restricted, and sales of Cuban products to the US are absolutely forbidden. Banks and businesses in other countries are still harassed for doing business with Cuba. The travel ban on US citizens visiting Cuba remains.
This cruel and immoral blockade has been in place almost 50 years, and has outlasted 10 US presidents.
Make a donation to help with the costs of the caravan. You can make a secure donation through our online store using your credit card or PayPal. Click here: http://bit.ly/bKNraX
WE HAVE TO STEP UP THE PRESSURE to guarantee that it finally will end under the current president.
Cuba is still, outrageously, on the list of nations that supposedly sponsor terrorism. Meanwhile, bills in Congress to ease restrictions on travel to Cuba have stalled. NOW is the time to completely end the blockade, the travel ban, and all the measures aimed at starving the Cuban people into submission and overthrowing their government. Our US/Cuba Friendshipment Caravan is one of our ways of demonstrating that we will no longer tolerate this cruel blockade!
In July 2010 the Pastors for Peace caravan will travel in school buses, trucks and cars along 13 different routes, visiting 130 US and Canadian cities. At every stop we will educate people about the blockade while collecting construction supplies and tools, medical supplies and equipment, educational and cultural supplies, to be donated to our sisters and brothers in Cuba.
Make a donation to help with the costs of the caravan. You can make a secure donation through our online store using your credit card or PayPal. http://bit.ly/bKNraX
Event URL: http://peaceandjustice.org/article.php/Cuba_Caravan2010
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Other Groups' Event Details
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Peace Picnic for Aung San Suu Kyi's Birthday
Saturday, June 19 2010 @ 11:00 AM
Mitchell Park - Pine Grove Area
600 E Meadow, Palo Alto
65th birthday celebration of only imprisoned Nobel Peace (1991) Laureate, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
We would be honored to have your organization representatives, your friends and families join us on this special occasion and be a part of our BAWA family. American Muslim Voice is co-sponsoring this event.
This year, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is spending her 65th birthday under house arrest again. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the imprisoned Nobel Peace Laureate and 2008 Congressional Gold Medal recipient is one of the world's most renowned freedom fighters and advocates of nonviolence.
She is the symbol of peace & democracy and beacon of hope for people all over the world who are suffering under oppression and injustice.
We will celebrate and honor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all the brave women of Burma on Burma's Women's Day. We will also build friendships with people of all faiths/ background to promote peace, justice and understanding.
The Celebration Will Feature:
> A Multi-Faith Prayer Vigil in Various Religious Traditions
> Award Ceremony for Community Service & Human Rights Hero
> Traditional Cultural Performance
> Presentations, Essays/ Poetry readings about Peace by Youths
> Delicious Burmese food. But if you like bring some side dish to share.
This event is sponsored by Burmese American Women's Alliance / American Muslim Voice
Event URL: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111306885579447
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Fundraiser for California People of Faith Working Against the Death Penalty
Saturday, June 19 2010 @ 06:30 PM
Queen of Apostles Church Fr. Jim Misfud Community Center
4811 Moorpark Ave., San Jose
Please join CPF for an informative evening and special fundraiser to support the joint project, the 1000 Congregations Campaign. With Special Guests:
Sally Lieber - Former Speaker Pro Tem of the California Assembly
Darryl Stallworth - Former Alameda County Prosecutor
Refreshments: Wine and Cheese
RSVP to Terry McCaffrey, President, California People of Faith Working Against the Death Penalty at Tel: 650-324-7517, Mobile: 408-515-0341, or Email: terrymc@igc.org
Event URL: http://www.californiapeopleoffaith.org
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Labor Community Picket of an Israeli Zim Line ship
Sunday, June 20 2010 @ 05:30 AM
Port of Oakland, Berth 57
Middle Harbor Road, Oakland
Join the Labor and Community Picket of an Israeli Zim Line Ship-Oakland
Protest Israel's Attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla! Boycott Israeli Ships and Goods! Lift the Blockade NOW - Let Gaza Live! Bring Down Israel's Apartheid Wall!
Unions, labor federations and other organizations around the world have condemned Israel's deadly attack against the Gaza Freedom Flotilla on May 31. Nine people were killed and dozens seriously injured in the Israeli commando attack in international waters on ships attempting to bring humanitarian cargo to the suffering and blockaded people of Gaza. Six people aboard the ships are still missing and presumed dead.
The Israeli attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla was a blatant act of piracy on the high seas. No Israeli ship should now be allowed to carry on trading activity any where in the world without facing picket lines, protests and embargo. Dock workers in several countries including South Africa, Norway, Sweden and Malaysia have declared that they will refuse to handle Israeli cargo in the coming weeks.
Everyone who stands for justice and against occupation and apartheid should join the June 20 picket at the Port of Oakland. This is a moment of great opportunity. In San Francisco in 1984, a picket line and refusal to unload cargo of a ship carrying South African cargo was a key event in mobilizing the anti-apartheid movement worldwide.
Sponsored by: Labor / Community Committee in Solidarity with the People of Palestine: Arab American Union Members Council, ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism), Palestine Youth Network, US Palestine Community Network, Al Awda- Right to Return Coalition, Arab Youth Organization, MECA-Middle East Children's Alliance, Students for Justice in Palestine, Arab Resource and Organizing Center, International Solidarity Movement, San Jose Peace and Justice Center, International Socialist Organization, Peace and Freedom Party - SF, Transport Workers Solidarity Committee and many labor activists in the Bay Area (list in formation)
Event URL: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/06/14/18650718.php
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International Day in Support of Victims of Torture - Film Screening of The Response
Wednesday, June 23 2010 @ 06:00 PM
Amnesty International, SF Office
350 Sansome St, #210, San Francisco
The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (June 26), enacted by the United Nations, is a day to observe what is being done and what still needs to be done to help survivors rebuild their lives and to end torture. Join Survivors International (http://www.survivorsintl.org/), Amnesty International (http://www.amnesty.org/) & Health Professionals Against Torture (http://www.hpatcoalition.org/) on June 23rd for a film screening!
The Response is a courtroom drama based on the actual transcripts of the Guantanamo Bay military tribunals. Read more about the film here: http://www.theresponsemovie.com/
We are also pleased to welcome Dr. Jess Ghannam as our speaker. Dr. Jess Ghannam is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Global Health Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco and is also Adjunct Professor of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University. Additionally, he has been working with the UC Berkeley Human Rights Center on a project evaluating the post-release health effects of detention in Guantanamo.
Refreshments will be provided!
This event is sponsored by Survivors International, Amnesty International & Health Professionals Against Torture
Event URL: http://www.survivorsintl.org
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A Palestinian Epic, Mornings in Jenin
Wednesday, June 23 2010 @ 07:30 PM
Books Inc, Mt. View
301 Castro Street, Mt. View
Susan Abulhawa reads from her much acclaimed Palestinian epic, Mornings in Jenin. Meet Susan, get your own signed copy of her book.
This event is sponsored by Culture and Conflict Forum
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Marylia Kelley on Achieving Nuclear Disarmament in the Age of Obama
Thursday, June 24 2010 @ 07:00 PM
Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo
300 E. Santa Inez, San Mateo
In April 2009, President Obama declared in Prague, "America's commitment to seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons." But he also said that the goal of nuclear disarmament "will not be reached quickly - perhaps not in my lifetime," and, "as long as these weapons exist the United States will maintain a safe, secure and effective arsenal..."
In April 2010, the central contradiction in Obama's Prague speech played out in his Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), which on one hand walks back the Bush NPR (partly) on when and against whom the U.S. would use nuclear bombs, and on the other hand fully embraces the Bush plan to "modernize" the nuclear weapons complex and arsenal.
Further, Senate Republicans have threatened to hold ratification of the new START treaty hostage to increased funding for "replacement" H-bombs and new weapons plants to produce them. And Obama's budget request for nuclear weapons activities exceeds the Bush budget - and the average U.S. spending on nuclear weapons during the Cold War, adjusted for inflation.
Will enhancing nuclear weapons research and production lead to nuclear abolition? What can we do to move a genuine disarmament agenda forward in the Obama Administration?
On Thursday, June 24, PASMC will present Marylia Kelley, Executive Director at Tri-Valley CAREs (Communities Against a Radioactive Environment), who will address the growing paradox of achieving nuclear abolition in the age of Obama. Marylia is well respected as a nuclear weapons and policy analyst and as a passionate advocate for disarmament, and she has recently returned from the NPT conference at the UN. She will share insights into national and international nuclear issues and stimulate our thinking on strategies needed to win concrete victories over the coming months.
The talk will take place in Beck Hall of the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo. Admission is free and refreshments will be on hand. Beck Hall is wheelchair accessible.
MORE INFO: Email: smpa@sanmateopeaceaction.org Phone: 650-342-8244
This event is sponsored by Peace Action of San Mateo County
Event URL: http://www.sanmateopeaceaction.org
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A Palestinian Epic, Mornings in Jenin
Thursday, June 24 2010 @ 07:00 PM
Arab Cultural and Community Center (ACCC)
2 Plaze Street, San Francisco
Susan Abulhawa reads from her much acclaimed Palestinian epic, Mornings in Jenin. Susan will discuss the Palestinian history and rights from a literary and personal perspective. Meet Susan, get your own signed copy of her book.
This event is sponsored by culture and conflict forum, arab community and culture center
Event URL: http://arabculturalcenter.org/events.html#mornings
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Olympia Brown: Remarkable Suffragist
Sunday, June 27 2010 @ 11:00 AM
Palo Alto High School - Student Center
50 Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto
Meg Bowman, retired sociology professor from San Jose State University and author of many books on women's history, will lead a group of Humanist Community members in a dramatization of an interview with Olympia Brown (1835-1926), the only feminist leader of the 19th Century who survived to vote - when she was 85! Brown had a lifetime commitment to women's rights and was the first woman ordained as a Universalist minister, where she thundered in the pulpit!
This event is sponsored by Humanist Community in Silicon Valley
Event URL: http://www.humanists.org
The Peace and Justice Community Calendar
PPJC-Sponsored Events
Wednesday 23-Jun - The Icarus Syndrome: A History of American Hubris
Tuesday 06-Jul - Free Forum: Global Giants India and China in Turmoil
Friday 09-Jul - Cuba Caravan 2010 - Fiesta & Potluck
Other Groups' Events
Saturday 19-Jun - Peace Picnic for Aung San Suu Kyi's Birthday
Saturday 19-Jun - Fundraiser for California People of Faith Working Against the Death Penalty
Sunday 20-Jun - Labor Community Picket of an Israeli Zim Line ship
Wednesday 23-Jun - International Day in Support of Victims of Torture - Film Screening of The Response
Wednesday 23-Jun - A Palestinian Epic, Mornings in Jenin
Thursday 24-Jun - Marylia Kelley on Achieving Nuclear Disarmament in the Age of Obama
Thursday 24-Jun - A Palestinian Epic, Mornings in Jenin
Sunday 27-Jun - Olympia Brown: Remarkable Suffragist
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PPJC Event Details
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Peter Beinart - The Icarus Syndrome: A History of American Hubris
Wednesday, June 23 2010 @ 07:30 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church
505 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto
An author event with
PETER BEINART
Senior Political Writer for The Daily Beast // Associate Professor of Journalism and Political Science, City Univ. of New York // Senior Fellow, New America Foundation
$5 ~ $15 Sliding Scale / Wheelchair Accessible
Copies of "The Icarus Syndrome: A History of American Hubris" will be available for purchase and signing by the author.
hu·bris (hyu'bris) n. Overbearing pride or presumption; arrogance
In The Icarus Syndrome, Peter Beinart tells a tale as old as the Greeks -- a story about the seductions of success. Beinart describes Washington on the eve of three wars -- World War One, Vietnam, and Iraq -- three moments when American leaders decided they could remake the world in their image. Each time, leading intellectuals declared that history was over, and the spread of democracy was inevitable. Each time, a president held the nation in the palm of his hand. And each time, a war conceived in arrogance brought untold tragedy.
In dazzling color, Beinart portrays three extraordinary generations: the progressives who took America into World War I, led by Woodrow Wilson, the lonely preacher's son who became the closest thing to a political messiah the world had ever seen. The Camelot intellectuals who took America into Vietnam, led by Lyndon Johnson, who lay awake at night after night shaking with fear that his countrymen considered him weak. And George W. Bush and the post-cold war neoconservatives, the romantic bullies who believed they could bludgeon the Middle East and liberate it at the same time. Like Icarus, each of these generations crafted "wings" -- a theory about America's relationship to the world. They flapped carefully at first, but gradually lost their inhibitions until, giddy with success, they flew into the sun.
But every era also brought new leaders and thinkers who found wisdom in pain. They reconciled American optimism -- our belief that anything is possible -- with the realities of a world that will never fully bend to our will. In their struggles lie the seeds of American renewal today. Based on years of research, The Icarus Syndrome is a provocative and strikingly original account of hubris in the American century -- and how we learn from the tragedies that result.
Peter Beinart is associate professor of journalism and political science at the City University of New York and a senior fellow at the New America Foundation. He is the senior political writer for The Daily Beast and a contributor to Time. Beinart is a former fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and is the author of The Good Fight. He lives with his family in Washington, D.C.
Presented by
Peninsula Peace and Justice www.PeaceandJustice.org
and
The Commonwealth Club www.commonwealthclub.org
Event URL: http://peaceandjustice.org/article.php?story=Icarus_Syndrome_June_23
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Free Forum: Global Giants India and China in Turmoil
Tuesday, July 06 2010 @ 07:00 PM
Community Media Center
900 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto
Global Giants in Turmoil: China and India confront growing popular upsurges amid growing government repression
A conversation with Robert Weil and Dave Pugh
Political Analysts, Activists
The broiling social situation in China is much in the news these days. This month's forum will examine both China's internal conditions and its relations with the U.S. and globally. Despite its ability to get through the current economic crisis relatively better than most, new weaknesses have been exposed, and its ability to maintain a "harmonious society" are under growing challenge. Though its relationship to the U.S. waxes and wanes, there are also deepening contradictions there.
The situation in India is even more explosive, with a full blown revolutionary struggle -- which calls itself "Maoist" --taking place in the heart of the country. There has been little attention paid to this in the U.S. -- despite its growing ties with the Indian establishment, in part to counter the Chinese. Also little reported is India's "Green Hunt" campaign, which is devastating the civilian population as the Army attempts to shut down the rebel insurgency.
------------------------------------------
Arundhati Roy: Walking with the Comrades
The antagonists in the forest are disparate and unequal in almost every way. On one side is a massive paramilitary force armed with the money, the firepower, the media, and the hubris of an emerging Superpower.
On the other, ordinary villagers armed with traditional weapons, backed by a superbly organized, hugely motivated Maoist guerilla fighting force with an extraordinary and violent history of armed rebellion. The Maoists and the paramilitary are old adversaries and have fought older avatars of each other several times before...
------------------------------------------
Our guests are both longtime political activists and analsysts who have spent substantial time recently in India and previously in China. Weil is the author of "Red Cat, White Cat: China and the Contradictions of 'Market Socialism'".
Free and open to all. Wheelchair accessible.
Simultaneous live TV broadcast on cable channel 27, Mid-Peninsula area.
Simultaneous live Internet webcast at the Community Media Center's website:
http://www.midpenmedia.org/watch/stream/ (select channel 27)
Event URL: http://peaceandjustice.org/article.php?story=OtherVoices_July_6_2010
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Cuba Caravan 2010 - Fiesta & Potluck
Friday, July 09 2010 @ 06:00 PM
Social Hall, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
2124 Brewster, Redwood City
Bring a potluck dish to share! Live music! Speakers!
Cuba Caravan 2010 - End the blockade of Cuba!
Here's how you can help this year's "Friendshipment" to Cuba...
1. Make a donation to help with the costs of the caravan.
You can make a secure donation through our online store using your credit card or PayPal. http://bit.ly/bKNraX
2. Donate material aid to go on the caravan to Cuba. (Follow the URL in this listing for info on donating material aid.)
Bring a potluck dish to share! Live music! Speakers!
Sponsored by Peninsula Peace and Justice Center & the Social Action Committee of UU Fellowship Redwood City
Many of us hoped that President Obama's election would bring about some changes in many aspects of US policy -- including the ending of the illegal, immoral, and internationally condemned US economic blockade against Cuba. By now, a year has passed: but the fundamental mechanisms of the blockade remain in full force, with just a few small exceptions. Cuban-Americans are now allowed to more freely visit their families, several cultural exchanges have been allowed, and some bilateral talks have resumed.
But Cuba is still deemed an 'enemy' under the Trading with the Enemies Act. Sales of US products to Cuba are still severely restricted, and sales of Cuban products to the US are absolutely forbidden. Banks and businesses in other countries are still harassed for doing business with Cuba. The travel ban on US citizens visiting Cuba remains.
This cruel and immoral blockade has been in place almost 50 years, and has outlasted 10 US presidents.
Make a donation to help with the costs of the caravan. You can make a secure donation through our online store using your credit card or PayPal. Click here: http://bit.ly/bKNraX
WE HAVE TO STEP UP THE PRESSURE to guarantee that it finally will end under the current president.
Cuba is still, outrageously, on the list of nations that supposedly sponsor terrorism. Meanwhile, bills in Congress to ease restrictions on travel to Cuba have stalled. NOW is the time to completely end the blockade, the travel ban, and all the measures aimed at starving the Cuban people into submission and overthrowing their government. Our US/Cuba Friendshipment Caravan is one of our ways of demonstrating that we will no longer tolerate this cruel blockade!
In July 2010 the Pastors for Peace caravan will travel in school buses, trucks and cars along 13 different routes, visiting 130 US and Canadian cities. At every stop we will educate people about the blockade while collecting construction supplies and tools, medical supplies and equipment, educational and cultural supplies, to be donated to our sisters and brothers in Cuba.
Make a donation to help with the costs of the caravan. You can make a secure donation through our online store using your credit card or PayPal. http://bit.ly/bKNraX
Event URL: http://peaceandjustice.org/article.php/Cuba_Caravan2010
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Other Groups' Event Details
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Peace Picnic for Aung San Suu Kyi's Birthday
Saturday, June 19 2010 @ 11:00 AM
Mitchell Park - Pine Grove Area
600 E Meadow, Palo Alto
65th birthday celebration of only imprisoned Nobel Peace (1991) Laureate, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
We would be honored to have your organization representatives, your friends and families join us on this special occasion and be a part of our BAWA family. American Muslim Voice is co-sponsoring this event.
This year, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is spending her 65th birthday under house arrest again. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the imprisoned Nobel Peace Laureate and 2008 Congressional Gold Medal recipient is one of the world's most renowned freedom fighters and advocates of nonviolence.
She is the symbol of peace & democracy and beacon of hope for people all over the world who are suffering under oppression and injustice.
We will celebrate and honor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all the brave women of Burma on Burma's Women's Day. We will also build friendships with people of all faiths/ background to promote peace, justice and understanding.
The Celebration Will Feature:
> A Multi-Faith Prayer Vigil in Various Religious Traditions
> Award Ceremony for Community Service & Human Rights Hero
> Traditional Cultural Performance
> Presentations, Essays/ Poetry readings about Peace by Youths
> Delicious Burmese food. But if you like bring some side dish to share.
This event is sponsored by Burmese American Women's Alliance / American Muslim Voice
Event URL: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111306885579447
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Fundraiser for California People of Faith Working Against the Death Penalty
Saturday, June 19 2010 @ 06:30 PM
Queen of Apostles Church Fr. Jim Misfud Community Center
4811 Moorpark Ave., San Jose
Please join CPF for an informative evening and special fundraiser to support the joint project, the 1000 Congregations Campaign. With Special Guests:
Sally Lieber - Former Speaker Pro Tem of the California Assembly
Darryl Stallworth - Former Alameda County Prosecutor
Refreshments: Wine and Cheese
RSVP to Terry McCaffrey, President, California People of Faith Working Against the Death Penalty at Tel: 650-324-7517, Mobile: 408-515-0341, or Email: terrymc@igc.org
Event URL: http://www.californiapeopleoffaith.org
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Labor Community Picket of an Israeli Zim Line ship
Sunday, June 20 2010 @ 05:30 AM
Port of Oakland, Berth 57
Middle Harbor Road, Oakland
Join the Labor and Community Picket of an Israeli Zim Line Ship-Oakland
Protest Israel's Attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla! Boycott Israeli Ships and Goods! Lift the Blockade NOW - Let Gaza Live! Bring Down Israel's Apartheid Wall!
Unions, labor federations and other organizations around the world have condemned Israel's deadly attack against the Gaza Freedom Flotilla on May 31. Nine people were killed and dozens seriously injured in the Israeli commando attack in international waters on ships attempting to bring humanitarian cargo to the suffering and blockaded people of Gaza. Six people aboard the ships are still missing and presumed dead.
The Israeli attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla was a blatant act of piracy on the high seas. No Israeli ship should now be allowed to carry on trading activity any where in the world without facing picket lines, protests and embargo. Dock workers in several countries including South Africa, Norway, Sweden and Malaysia have declared that they will refuse to handle Israeli cargo in the coming weeks.
Everyone who stands for justice and against occupation and apartheid should join the June 20 picket at the Port of Oakland. This is a moment of great opportunity. In San Francisco in 1984, a picket line and refusal to unload cargo of a ship carrying South African cargo was a key event in mobilizing the anti-apartheid movement worldwide.
Sponsored by: Labor / Community Committee in Solidarity with the People of Palestine: Arab American Union Members Council, ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism), Palestine Youth Network, US Palestine Community Network, Al Awda- Right to Return Coalition, Arab Youth Organization, MECA-Middle East Children's Alliance, Students for Justice in Palestine, Arab Resource and Organizing Center, International Solidarity Movement, San Jose Peace and Justice Center, International Socialist Organization, Peace and Freedom Party - SF, Transport Workers Solidarity Committee and many labor activists in the Bay Area (list in formation)
Event URL: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/06/14/18650718.php
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International Day in Support of Victims of Torture - Film Screening of The Response
Wednesday, June 23 2010 @ 06:00 PM
Amnesty International, SF Office
350 Sansome St, #210, San Francisco
The International Day in Support of Victims of Torture (June 26), enacted by the United Nations, is a day to observe what is being done and what still needs to be done to help survivors rebuild their lives and to end torture. Join Survivors International (http://www.survivorsintl.org/), Amnesty International (http://www.amnesty.org/) & Health Professionals Against Torture (http://www.hpatcoalition.org/) on June 23rd for a film screening!
The Response is a courtroom drama based on the actual transcripts of the Guantanamo Bay military tribunals. Read more about the film here: http://www.theresponsemovie.com/
We are also pleased to welcome Dr. Jess Ghannam as our speaker. Dr. Jess Ghannam is a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Global Health Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco and is also Adjunct Professor of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University. Additionally, he has been working with the UC Berkeley Human Rights Center on a project evaluating the post-release health effects of detention in Guantanamo.
Refreshments will be provided!
This event is sponsored by Survivors International, Amnesty International & Health Professionals Against Torture
Event URL: http://www.survivorsintl.org
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A Palestinian Epic, Mornings in Jenin
Wednesday, June 23 2010 @ 07:30 PM
Books Inc, Mt. View
301 Castro Street, Mt. View
Susan Abulhawa reads from her much acclaimed Palestinian epic, Mornings in Jenin. Meet Susan, get your own signed copy of her book.
This event is sponsored by Culture and Conflict Forum
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marylia Kelley on Achieving Nuclear Disarmament in the Age of Obama
Thursday, June 24 2010 @ 07:00 PM
Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo
300 E. Santa Inez, San Mateo
In April 2009, President Obama declared in Prague, "America's commitment to seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons." But he also said that the goal of nuclear disarmament "will not be reached quickly - perhaps not in my lifetime," and, "as long as these weapons exist the United States will maintain a safe, secure and effective arsenal..."
In April 2010, the central contradiction in Obama's Prague speech played out in his Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), which on one hand walks back the Bush NPR (partly) on when and against whom the U.S. would use nuclear bombs, and on the other hand fully embraces the Bush plan to "modernize" the nuclear weapons complex and arsenal.
Further, Senate Republicans have threatened to hold ratification of the new START treaty hostage to increased funding for "replacement" H-bombs and new weapons plants to produce them. And Obama's budget request for nuclear weapons activities exceeds the Bush budget - and the average U.S. spending on nuclear weapons during the Cold War, adjusted for inflation.
Will enhancing nuclear weapons research and production lead to nuclear abolition? What can we do to move a genuine disarmament agenda forward in the Obama Administration?
On Thursday, June 24, PASMC will present Marylia Kelley, Executive Director at Tri-Valley CAREs (Communities Against a Radioactive Environment), who will address the growing paradox of achieving nuclear abolition in the age of Obama. Marylia is well respected as a nuclear weapons and policy analyst and as a passionate advocate for disarmament, and she has recently returned from the NPT conference at the UN. She will share insights into national and international nuclear issues and stimulate our thinking on strategies needed to win concrete victories over the coming months.
The talk will take place in Beck Hall of the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo. Admission is free and refreshments will be on hand. Beck Hall is wheelchair accessible.
MORE INFO: Email: smpa@sanmateopeaceaction.org Phone: 650-342-8244
This event is sponsored by Peace Action of San Mateo County
Event URL: http://www.sanmateopeaceaction.org
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A Palestinian Epic, Mornings in Jenin
Thursday, June 24 2010 @ 07:00 PM
Arab Cultural and Community Center (ACCC)
2 Plaze Street, San Francisco
Susan Abulhawa reads from her much acclaimed Palestinian epic, Mornings in Jenin. Susan will discuss the Palestinian history and rights from a literary and personal perspective. Meet Susan, get your own signed copy of her book.
This event is sponsored by culture and conflict forum, arab community and culture center
Event URL: http://arabculturalcenter.org/events.html#mornings
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Olympia Brown: Remarkable Suffragist
Sunday, June 27 2010 @ 11:00 AM
Palo Alto High School - Student Center
50 Embarcadero Rd., Palo Alto
Meg Bowman, retired sociology professor from San Jose State University and author of many books on women's history, will lead a group of Humanist Community members in a dramatization of an interview with Olympia Brown (1835-1926), the only feminist leader of the 19th Century who survived to vote - when she was 85! Brown had a lifetime commitment to women's rights and was the first woman ordained as a Universalist minister, where she thundered in the pulpit!
This event is sponsored by Humanist Community in Silicon Valley
Event URL: http://www.humanists.org
The Peace and Justice Community Calendar
11:47 AM
DAILY MAIL ON DEFENCE BUDGET CUTS
Could this be the end of the RAF? Military chief refuses to rule out merger with Navy as cuts loom
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1248171/Green-paper-reveals-defence-budget-cuts-new-alliance-France.html
The future of the RAF and Royal Navy were thrown into doubt last night after the head of the Armed Forces said their merger should be 'debated'.
Sir Jock Stirrup caused consternation when he failed to rule out the amalgamation of two of the three cash-strapped military services.
The Chief of the Defence Staff said it was only 'plausible' that they would all exist separately in ten years' time.
The drastic cuts needed and the growing cooperation between forces in Afghanistan raised the controversial possibility that the air and sea service could unite.
Sir Jock made his comments at the unveiling of the Government's Green Paper on military reform, which lays the groundwork for a full-scale strategic defence review after the General Election.
The document, published by Defence Secretary-Bob Ainsworth, revealed no spending figures nor any indication of how the Armed Forces would look after the long-awaited shake-up. But it was revealed that:
Defence chiefs will be forced to compromise on purchasing costly state-of-the-art equipment as ministers battle to reduce the nation's £178billion deficit;
Britain can expect higher casualty rates as we are dragged into guerilla wars with increasingly sophisticated enemies;
Despite the nation's battered finances, ministers will press ahead with the £20billion update of the Trident nuclear deterrent;
The Armed Forces will have to work more closely with the French and other allies as spending cuts bite.
Mr Ainsworth also announced that the war in Afghanistan - which has claimed the lives of 253 UK service personnel - remained the top defence priority. Funding for troops and equipment will rise from £3.5billion to £5billion next year.
Enlarge Enlarge
And despite the urgent need for the MoD to cut costs in the face of a £ 36billion shortfall, he said that two new aircraft carriers costing £5billion each would 'most likely' go ahead.
Close All polls Click to view yesterday's poll results The Green Paper warned: 'We cannot proceed with all the activities and programmes we currently aspire to, while simultaneously supporting our current operations and investing in the new capabilities that we n
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1248171/Green-paper-reveals-defence-budget-cuts-new-alliance-France.html#ixzz0qTfKCDgM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1248171/Green-paper-reveals-defence-budget-cuts-new-alliance-France.html
The future of the RAF and Royal Navy were thrown into doubt last night after the head of the Armed Forces said their merger should be 'debated'.
Sir Jock Stirrup caused consternation when he failed to rule out the amalgamation of two of the three cash-strapped military services.
The Chief of the Defence Staff said it was only 'plausible' that they would all exist separately in ten years' time.
The drastic cuts needed and the growing cooperation between forces in Afghanistan raised the controversial possibility that the air and sea service could unite.
Sir Jock made his comments at the unveiling of the Government's Green Paper on military reform, which lays the groundwork for a full-scale strategic defence review after the General Election.
The document, published by Defence Secretary-Bob Ainsworth, revealed no spending figures nor any indication of how the Armed Forces would look after the long-awaited shake-up. But it was revealed that:
Defence chiefs will be forced to compromise on purchasing costly state-of-the-art equipment as ministers battle to reduce the nation's £178billion deficit;
Britain can expect higher casualty rates as we are dragged into guerilla wars with increasingly sophisticated enemies;
Despite the nation's battered finances, ministers will press ahead with the £20billion update of the Trident nuclear deterrent;
The Armed Forces will have to work more closely with the French and other allies as spending cuts bite.
Mr Ainsworth also announced that the war in Afghanistan - which has claimed the lives of 253 UK service personnel - remained the top defence priority. Funding for troops and equipment will rise from £3.5billion to £5billion next year.
Enlarge Enlarge
And despite the urgent need for the MoD to cut costs in the face of a £ 36billion shortfall, he said that two new aircraft carriers costing £5billion each would 'most likely' go ahead.
Close All polls Click to view yesterday's poll results The Green Paper warned: 'We cannot proceed with all the activities and programmes we currently aspire to, while simultaneously supporting our current operations and investing in the new capabilities that we n
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1248171/Green-paper-reveals-defence-budget-cuts-new-alliance-France.html#ixzz0qTfKCDgM
11:37 AM
defence budget cuts- USA
Media Reports Major Defense Budget Cuts As Obama Proposes Increase In Defense Budget
By Brian Beutler - April 7, 2009, 10:48AM
The big news from yesterday (still settling in across Washington) is that President Obama and Defense Secretary Robert Gates teamed up to propose a sweeping overhaul of the defense budget--calling for the elimination of unnecessary systems and spending the savings on special forces, intelligence equipment, and other tools of counterinsurgent warfare.
In other words, by retooling the Pentagon, Obama and Gates plan to move a lot of money around, but they also plan to increase the overall defense budget. In the final year of the Bush administration (and excluding the costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan) the defense budget was $513 billion. In FY 2010, if Gates and Obama get their way, it will be $534 billion--$534 billion that will be spent much differently than last year's outlays were.
But you'd never know that from the news coverage.
Here's how Politico reports it:
Now that Defense Secretary Robert Gates has rolled out major cuts to some of the Pentagon's largest weapons systems, the decision to accept or reject those changes falls on Congress....
With all the advance speculation about Gates' cuts, Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.), chairman of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, has already put forward a few recommendations of his own....
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and other influential members of Congress are lining up for their turn to swing the budget ax. They may not have a lot of sway with two wars under way. But the group's strong demand to reduce spending could lay the groundwork for cuts in years to come, particularly as U.S. troops begin to redeploy home from Iraq.
Frank has been adamant in pushing for deep reductions, calling for a $100 billion cut by ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Frank estimates he could whack another $60 billion from Defense....
On the other end, a number of pro-military Democrats -- particularly those on the Armed Services committees -- are not expected to push as hard for cuts to defense while the nation is still fighting wars.
But Michigan Sen. Carl Levin, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services
Committee, and Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, an Army veteran and member of both the Armed Services and Appropriations committees, may be receptive to cutting deals instead of budgets.
McCain, the ranking Republican on the Armed Services Committee, has aligned with the chairman to co-sponsor an acquisition reform bill.... But don't take that to mean McCain wants to cut to the bone. He remains an advocate for robust defense spending.
If you're noticing a pattern here, you're not alone.
By the same token, here's Time reporting "deep cuts to some big weapons programs" with a link to this Associated Press article, which pulls a Politico of its own:
Defense Secretary Robert Gates is proposing deep cuts to some big weapons programs such as the F-22 fighter jet as the Pentagon takes a hard look at how it spends money.
Gates announced a broad range of cuts Monday to weapons spending, saying he plans to cut programs ranging from a new helicopter for the president to ending production of the $140 billion F-22 fighter jet. The Army's modernization program would be scaled back, while a new satellite system and a search-and-rescue helicopter would be cut.
Gates says his budget will "profoundly reform" the way the Pentagon buys weapons and does business.
To fight new threats from insurgents, Gates is proposing more funding for special forces and other tools.
Kudos to the AP for that last line, but nowhere does the article mention that the defense budget is increasing. Whether you agree with the increase or not, that's what's happening. Not a cut.
We'll keep our eye out for more examples of this sort of thing--the media is pretty well trained to paint anything other than major spending increases on the same old Pentagon programs as "budget cuts". So it could be a busy day.
Late update: The Wall Street Journal gets it right.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/04/media-reports-major-defense-budget-cuts-as-obama-proposes-increase-in-defense-budget.php
By Brian Beutler - April 7, 2009, 10:48AM
The big news from yesterday (still settling in across Washington) is that President Obama and Defense Secretary Robert Gates teamed up to propose a sweeping overhaul of the defense budget--calling for the elimination of unnecessary systems and spending the savings on special forces, intelligence equipment, and other tools of counterinsurgent warfare.
In other words, by retooling the Pentagon, Obama and Gates plan to move a lot of money around, but they also plan to increase the overall defense budget. In the final year of the Bush administration (and excluding the costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan) the defense budget was $513 billion. In FY 2010, if Gates and Obama get their way, it will be $534 billion--$534 billion that will be spent much differently than last year's outlays were.
But you'd never know that from the news coverage.
Here's how Politico reports it:
Now that Defense Secretary Robert Gates has rolled out major cuts to some of the Pentagon's largest weapons systems, the decision to accept or reject those changes falls on Congress....
With all the advance speculation about Gates' cuts, Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.), chairman of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, has already put forward a few recommendations of his own....
Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and other influential members of Congress are lining up for their turn to swing the budget ax. They may not have a lot of sway with two wars under way. But the group's strong demand to reduce spending could lay the groundwork for cuts in years to come, particularly as U.S. troops begin to redeploy home from Iraq.
Frank has been adamant in pushing for deep reductions, calling for a $100 billion cut by ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Frank estimates he could whack another $60 billion from Defense....
On the other end, a number of pro-military Democrats -- particularly those on the Armed Services committees -- are not expected to push as hard for cuts to defense while the nation is still fighting wars.
But Michigan Sen. Carl Levin, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services
Committee, and Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, an Army veteran and member of both the Armed Services and Appropriations committees, may be receptive to cutting deals instead of budgets.
McCain, the ranking Republican on the Armed Services Committee, has aligned with the chairman to co-sponsor an acquisition reform bill.... But don't take that to mean McCain wants to cut to the bone. He remains an advocate for robust defense spending.
If you're noticing a pattern here, you're not alone.
By the same token, here's Time reporting "deep cuts to some big weapons programs" with a link to this Associated Press article, which pulls a Politico of its own:
Defense Secretary Robert Gates is proposing deep cuts to some big weapons programs such as the F-22 fighter jet as the Pentagon takes a hard look at how it spends money.
Gates announced a broad range of cuts Monday to weapons spending, saying he plans to cut programs ranging from a new helicopter for the president to ending production of the $140 billion F-22 fighter jet. The Army's modernization program would be scaled back, while a new satellite system and a search-and-rescue helicopter would be cut.
Gates says his budget will "profoundly reform" the way the Pentagon buys weapons and does business.
To fight new threats from insurgents, Gates is proposing more funding for special forces and other tools.
Kudos to the AP for that last line, but nowhere does the article mention that the defense budget is increasing. Whether you agree with the increase or not, that's what's happening. Not a cut.
We'll keep our eye out for more examples of this sort of thing--the media is pretty well trained to paint anything other than major spending increases on the same old Pentagon programs as "budget cuts". So it could be a busy day.
Late update: The Wall Street Journal gets it right.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/04/media-reports-major-defense-budget-cuts-as-obama-proposes-increase-in-defense-budget.php
11:16 AM
differences on naxal issue in India
'Defence ministry refuses to send special forces'
http://news.oneindia.in/2010/06/10/defence-ministry-refuses-send-army-anti-naxal.html
New Delhi, Jun 10: Defence Ministry opposed to send special forces to Dantewada, for the Anti-Naxal operations. Defence Ministry was unhappy with the plans of Home Ministry, as they think that sending army will only lead to a civil war. Army was unwilling to send troops from Kashmir or North East.
Defence Ministry maintained it clear that Airforce cannot spare helicopters for the demining operations. They also informed that they can send UAV's for the purpose.
State governments fear using the army would estrange the local populations.
EN Rammohan, the former DG of Border Security Force said that there is no question of sending the army to Dantewada, as it will only lead to a civil war. He said that army can train counter insurgency schools.
http://news.oneindia.in/2010/06/10/defence-ministry-refuses-send-army-anti-naxal.html
New Delhi, Jun 10: Defence Ministry opposed to send special forces to Dantewada, for the Anti-Naxal operations. Defence Ministry was unhappy with the plans of Home Ministry, as they think that sending army will only lead to a civil war. Army was unwilling to send troops from Kashmir or North East.
Defence Ministry maintained it clear that Airforce cannot spare helicopters for the demining operations. They also informed that they can send UAV's for the purpose.
State governments fear using the army would estrange the local populations.
EN Rammohan, the former DG of Border Security Force said that there is no question of sending the army to Dantewada, as it will only lead to a civil war. He said that army can train counter insurgency schools.
6:21 AM
Rainbow Foundation South Asia
Please join this group to promote peace in the region. http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages#!/group.php?gid=107466222627951&ref=ts
Rainbow Foundation South Asia (Pakistan chapter)Awaiting membership confirmation
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.Name:Rainbow Foundation South Asia (Pakistan chapter)Category:Organizations - Non-Profit OrganizationsDescription:This is a Sub Group of " RAINBOW FOUNDATION SOUTH ASIA "
Started By The CEO of the organisation , Sh.Bimal Ghose is working day and night in reaching to the public and mass base to make it a huge affair.
OUR MISSION:
"Rainbow Foundation South Asia is dedicated to the task of forging people to people connections and alliances between the citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal thereby expanding the constituency for peace by isolating the state and non-state actors that foment terror and extremism in the region. We will work with government, semi-government, non-government and citizens' groups to further this cause of amity, cooperation, liberalism and democracy in South Asia."
One of our objectives will be to uproot corruption at all levels
Our Motto:
"Pledge me thy passion and we promise you the South asia of our dreams. We aim to incite passion of patriotism in the bosom of every south asian maverick provoking him/her to decipher the south asia of their dreams"
Our Initiative:
We want to build a strong association of people of all faith who are ready to work for secular ideas, fight fundamentalism of all sorts, fight terrorism and work for India-Pakistan amity that will solve all our majorproblems. Kindly help us to organize.
We need your co-operation and help to bring in peace and harmony between our neighboring countries.
Kindly join our movement by becoming member on facebook and by registering yourself on the below mentioned website.
(read less)
This is a Sub Group of " RAINBOW FOUNDATION SOUTH ASIA "
Started By The CEO of the organisation , Sh.Bimal Ghose is working day and night in reaching to the public and mass base to make it a huge affair.
OUR MISSION:
"Rainbow Foundation South Asia is dedicated to the task of forging people to people connections and alliances between the citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal thereby expanding the constituency for peace by isolating the state and non-state actors that foment terror... (read more)Privacy Type:Closed: Limited public content. Members can see all content..Contact Info
.Email:chair_rainbowfoundation_pakistan@yahoo.com
Rainbow Foundation South Asia (Pakistan chapter)Awaiting membership confirmation
Info
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.Name:Rainbow Foundation South Asia (Pakistan chapter)Category:Organizations - Non-Profit OrganizationsDescription:This is a Sub Group of " RAINBOW FOUNDATION SOUTH ASIA "
Started By The CEO of the organisation , Sh.Bimal Ghose is working day and night in reaching to the public and mass base to make it a huge affair.
OUR MISSION:
"Rainbow Foundation South Asia is dedicated to the task of forging people to people connections and alliances between the citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal thereby expanding the constituency for peace by isolating the state and non-state actors that foment terror and extremism in the region. We will work with government, semi-government, non-government and citizens' groups to further this cause of amity, cooperation, liberalism and democracy in South Asia."
One of our objectives will be to uproot corruption at all levels
Our Motto:
"Pledge me thy passion and we promise you the South asia of our dreams. We aim to incite passion of patriotism in the bosom of every south asian maverick provoking him/her to decipher the south asia of their dreams"
Our Initiative:
We want to build a strong association of people of all faith who are ready to work for secular ideas, fight fundamentalism of all sorts, fight terrorism and work for India-Pakistan amity that will solve all our majorproblems. Kindly help us to organize.
We need your co-operation and help to bring in peace and harmony between our neighboring countries.
Kindly join our movement by becoming member on facebook and by registering yourself on the below mentioned website.
(read less)
This is a Sub Group of " RAINBOW FOUNDATION SOUTH ASIA "
Started By The CEO of the organisation , Sh.Bimal Ghose is working day and night in reaching to the public and mass base to make it a huge affair.
OUR MISSION:
"Rainbow Foundation South Asia is dedicated to the task of forging people to people connections and alliances between the citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal thereby expanding the constituency for peace by isolating the state and non-state actors that foment terror... (read more)Privacy Type:Closed: Limited public content. Members can see all content..Contact Info
.Email:chair_rainbowfoundation_pakistan@yahoo.com
4:08 AM
propoor.org
South Asian Development News Jun 10, 2010
Zameen: Bringing an Agricultural Revolution
Zameen is a unique farmer owned organic cotton trading company working to improve market access for ...
Cost-effective Technology Stalled by Pune Government
In Pune, bureaucratic meddling is threatening a simple, cost-effective eco-technology evolved by SERI to treat heavily ...
Supermarket on a Cart
Quality assured, weight perfect. For complaints or bulk order, dial 9334412648. These are not the claims of ...
Rohingyas - Nowhere Home
Rohingya ethnic group, a Muslim minority from western Burma, is one of the most persecuted communities ...
Birthing Centres Improve Maternal Health in Rural Nepal
The UNICEF supported maternal health programme, in Humla, has led to the establishment of birthing centres ...
suggest a story | read news archives
Latest News From ProPoor Community
TISS Diploma in Gerontology for 2010-11 - Mumbai, India
Inviting applications from Indian Environment and Livelihoods NGOs for Sierra Club Awards worth Rs.45 Lakh
Required: Communication Specialist for UNICEF - Lucknow, India
Master of Arts in Community Development - Deadline to apply December 2010 - Online Program with Residency Sessions in New Delhi, India
New Organization Added: Matri Sudha
More updates on the ProPoor blog >>
"Signs of Light": Good News From South Asia
Sangham Radio Making Waves
posted on Jun 9, 2010
This first all-women community radio in Asia being aired from Medak district in Andhra Pradesh is a genuine story of rural and women empowerment.
Agastya: Sparking Creativity in Rural India
posted on Jun 2, 2010
Ramji Raghavan, a former NRI banker came back to India with a vision of providing education to poor children that would be the opposite of conventional techniques.
Profile: Shaheen Mistry
posted on May 26, 2010
A lesson in combining education and entrepreneurship.
Zameen: Bringing an Agricultural Revolution
Zameen is a unique farmer owned organic cotton trading company working to improve market access for ...
Cost-effective Technology Stalled by Pune Government
In Pune, bureaucratic meddling is threatening a simple, cost-effective eco-technology evolved by SERI to treat heavily ...
Supermarket on a Cart
Quality assured, weight perfect. For complaints or bulk order, dial 9334412648. These are not the claims of ...
Rohingyas - Nowhere Home
Rohingya ethnic group, a Muslim minority from western Burma, is one of the most persecuted communities ...
Birthing Centres Improve Maternal Health in Rural Nepal
The UNICEF supported maternal health programme, in Humla, has led to the establishment of birthing centres ...
suggest a story | read news archives
Latest News From ProPoor Community
TISS Diploma in Gerontology for 2010-11 - Mumbai, India
Inviting applications from Indian Environment and Livelihoods NGOs for Sierra Club Awards worth Rs.45 Lakh
Required: Communication Specialist for UNICEF - Lucknow, India
Master of Arts in Community Development - Deadline to apply December 2010 - Online Program with Residency Sessions in New Delhi, India
New Organization Added: Matri Sudha
More updates on the ProPoor blog >>
"Signs of Light": Good News From South Asia
Sangham Radio Making Waves
posted on Jun 9, 2010
This first all-women community radio in Asia being aired from Medak district in Andhra Pradesh is a genuine story of rural and women empowerment.
Agastya: Sparking Creativity in Rural India
posted on Jun 2, 2010
Ramji Raghavan, a former NRI banker came back to India with a vision of providing education to poor children that would be the opposite of conventional techniques.
Profile: Shaheen Mistry
posted on May 26, 2010
A lesson in combining education and entrepreneurship.
3:47 AM
World Peace Index
Peace in India- A mirage?
http://news.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/jun/10/slide-show-1-india-among-least-peaceful-nations.htmEditIndia among world's least peaceful nations: Rediff.com NewsIndia among world's least peaceful nations | Rediff.com: Indian news | news columns | interviews | news specials | newshound & more
http://news.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/jun/10/slide-show-1-india-among-least-peaceful-nations.htmEditIndia among world's least peaceful nations: Rediff.com NewsIndia among world's least peaceful nations | Rediff.com: Indian news | news columns | interviews | news specials | newshound & more
9:18 AM
US Border Patrol Agent Shoots Dead Mexican Teen on Mexican Soil
US Border Patrol Agent Shoots Dead Mexican Teen on Mexican Soil
A fourteen-year-old Mexican boy is being buried today, less than forty-eight hours after being shot by a US Border Patrol agent on Mexican soil. Mexican officials say Sergio Adrian Hernandez Huereca was shot in the head. Graphic photos published in the Mexico press show the boy lying next to a pool of blood. Sergio and his friends were reportedly playing in a dry section of the Rio Grande and throwing rocks at border guards. The Mexican government has condemned the shooting, saying the use of firearms to respond to boys throwing rocks was a "disproportionate use of force." An eyewitness said Hernandez was clearly on the Mexican side of the border when he was shot.
Eyewitness: "Once the youngsters were on Mexican soil, an officialI dont know if he was an immigration agent or a police officerarrived on a bike, wearing a white shirt, a helmet and shorts, and he shot at the youngsters, at the whole group. Some ran in one direction, and others in another. This one teenage victim hid behind the wall. He looked out, and thats when the teenager was shot."
The shooting comes just weeks after President Obama announced a plan to send an extra $500 million and 1,200 National Guard troops to the border. Two weeks ago, a Border Patrol officer in California shot and killed an undocumented Mexican immigrant with a stun gun. The thirty-two-year-old Anastacio Hernandez had lived in San Diego since he was fourteen and had five American-born children. Border Patrol agents claim he had resisted being deported.
http://www.democracynow.org/2010/6/9/headlines#5
A fourteen-year-old Mexican boy is being buried today, less than forty-eight hours after being shot by a US Border Patrol agent on Mexican soil. Mexican officials say Sergio Adrian Hernandez Huereca was shot in the head. Graphic photos published in the Mexico press show the boy lying next to a pool of blood. Sergio and his friends were reportedly playing in a dry section of the Rio Grande and throwing rocks at border guards. The Mexican government has condemned the shooting, saying the use of firearms to respond to boys throwing rocks was a "disproportionate use of force." An eyewitness said Hernandez was clearly on the Mexican side of the border when he was shot.
Eyewitness: "Once the youngsters were on Mexican soil, an officialI dont know if he was an immigration agent or a police officerarrived on a bike, wearing a white shirt, a helmet and shorts, and he shot at the youngsters, at the whole group. Some ran in one direction, and others in another. This one teenage victim hid behind the wall. He looked out, and thats when the teenager was shot."
The shooting comes just weeks after President Obama announced a plan to send an extra $500 million and 1,200 National Guard troops to the border. Two weeks ago, a Border Patrol officer in California shot and killed an undocumented Mexican immigrant with a stun gun. The thirty-two-year-old Anastacio Hernandez had lived in San Diego since he was fourteen and had five American-born children. Border Patrol agents claim he had resisted being deported.
http://www.democracynow.org/2010/6/9/headlines#5
9:02 PM
US attack on Yemen
Images of missile and cluster munitions point to US role in fatal attack in Yemen
http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/yemen-images-missile-and-cluster-munitions-point-us-role-fatal-attack-2010-06-04
7 June 2010
Amnesty International has released images of a US-manufactured cruise missile that carried cluster munitions, apparently taken following an attack on an alleged al-Qa’ida training camp in Yemen that killed 41 local residents, including 14 women and 21 children.
The 17 December 2009 attack on the community of al-Ma'jalah in the Abyan area in the south of Yemen killed 55 people including 14 alleged members of al-Qa’ida.
“A military strike of this kind against alleged militants without an attempt to detain them is at the very least unlawful. The fact that so many of the victims were actually women and children indicates that the attack was in fact grossly irresponsible, particularly given the likely use of cluster munitions,” said Philip Luther, Deputy Director of Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa Programme.
The Yemeni government has said its forces alone carried out the attack on al-Ma'jalah, the site of an alleged al-Qa'ida training camp in al-Mahfad district, Abyan Governorate.
Shortly after the attack some US media reported alleged statements by unnamed US government sources who said that US cruise missiles launched on presidential orders had been fired at two alleged al-Qa'ida sites in Yemen.
“Based on the evidence provided by these photographs, the US government must disclose what role it played in the al-Ma'jalah attack, and all governments involved must show what steps they took to prevent unnecessary deaths and injuries,” said Philip Luther.
The photographs enable the positive identification of damaged missile parts, which appear to be from the payload, mid-body, aft-body and propulsion sections of a BGM-109D Tomahawk land-attack cruise missile.
This type of missile, launched from a warship or submarine, is designed to carry a payload of 166 cluster submunitions (bomblets) which each explode into over 200 sharp steel fragments that can cause injuries up to 150m away. An incendiary material inside the bomblet also spreads fragments of burning zirconium designed to set fire to nearby flammable objects.
A further photograph, apparently taken within half an hour of the others, shows an unexploded BLU 97 A/B submunition itself, the type carried by BGM-109D missiles. These missiles are known to be held only by US forces and Yemeni armed forces are unlikely to be capable of using such a missile.
Amnesty International has requested information from the Pentagon about the involvement of US forces in the al-Ma'jalah attack, and what precautions may have been taken to minimize deaths and injuries, but has yet to receive a response.
“Amnesty International is gravely concerned by evidence that cluster munitions appear to have been used in Yemen, when most states around the world have committed to comprehensively ban these weapons,” said Mike Lewis, Amnesty International's arms control researcher.
“Cluster munitions have indiscriminate effects and unexploded bomblets threaten lives and livelihoods for years afterwards. All governments responsible for using them must urgently provide assistance to clear unexploded munitions.”
Neither the USA nor Yemen has yet signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, a treaty designed to comprehensively ban such weapons which is due to enter into force on 1 August 2010.
A Yemeni parliamentary committee that investigated the 17 December 2009 attack reported in February that 41 people it described as civilians had been killed. In its report the committee said that on arrival at the scene of the attack in al-Ma’jalah it “found that all the homes and their contents were burnt and all that was left were traces of furniture.”
It said the committee “found traces of blood of the victims and a number of holes in the ground left by the bombing… as well as a number of unexploded bombs”, and that one survivor told the committee that his family, who were killed although they had committed no crime, were sleeping when the missiles struck on the morning of 17 December 2009.
In its report, the Yemeni parliamentary committee said the Yemeni government should open a judicial investigation into the attack and bring to justice those responsible for the killings of civilians, but no such investigation is known to have been held as yet.
The committee reported statements by the Abyan Governorate authorities that 14 alleged members of al-Qa’ida were also killed in the attack, but said it had been unable to obtain information confirming this and was able to obtain the name of only one of the 14 from the Abyan authorities.
Image 1, additional details: The Tomahawk BGM-109D cruise missile would have carried 166 BLU 97 cluster bomblets, which are designed to scatter over a wide area, acting indiscriminately when used in civilian areas. Many also fail to explode on impact, as in the photograph above, but may explode if disturbed, making land dangerous for communities to use for months or years after attacks.
http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/yemen-images-missile-and-cluster-munitions-point-us-role-fatal-attack-2010-06-04
7 June 2010
Amnesty International has released images of a US-manufactured cruise missile that carried cluster munitions, apparently taken following an attack on an alleged al-Qa’ida training camp in Yemen that killed 41 local residents, including 14 women and 21 children.
The 17 December 2009 attack on the community of al-Ma'jalah in the Abyan area in the south of Yemen killed 55 people including 14 alleged members of al-Qa’ida.
“A military strike of this kind against alleged militants without an attempt to detain them is at the very least unlawful. The fact that so many of the victims were actually women and children indicates that the attack was in fact grossly irresponsible, particularly given the likely use of cluster munitions,” said Philip Luther, Deputy Director of Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa Programme.
The Yemeni government has said its forces alone carried out the attack on al-Ma'jalah, the site of an alleged al-Qa'ida training camp in al-Mahfad district, Abyan Governorate.
Shortly after the attack some US media reported alleged statements by unnamed US government sources who said that US cruise missiles launched on presidential orders had been fired at two alleged al-Qa'ida sites in Yemen.
“Based on the evidence provided by these photographs, the US government must disclose what role it played in the al-Ma'jalah attack, and all governments involved must show what steps they took to prevent unnecessary deaths and injuries,” said Philip Luther.
The photographs enable the positive identification of damaged missile parts, which appear to be from the payload, mid-body, aft-body and propulsion sections of a BGM-109D Tomahawk land-attack cruise missile.
This type of missile, launched from a warship or submarine, is designed to carry a payload of 166 cluster submunitions (bomblets) which each explode into over 200 sharp steel fragments that can cause injuries up to 150m away. An incendiary material inside the bomblet also spreads fragments of burning zirconium designed to set fire to nearby flammable objects.
A further photograph, apparently taken within half an hour of the others, shows an unexploded BLU 97 A/B submunition itself, the type carried by BGM-109D missiles. These missiles are known to be held only by US forces and Yemeni armed forces are unlikely to be capable of using such a missile.
Amnesty International has requested information from the Pentagon about the involvement of US forces in the al-Ma'jalah attack, and what precautions may have been taken to minimize deaths and injuries, but has yet to receive a response.
“Amnesty International is gravely concerned by evidence that cluster munitions appear to have been used in Yemen, when most states around the world have committed to comprehensively ban these weapons,” said Mike Lewis, Amnesty International's arms control researcher.
“Cluster munitions have indiscriminate effects and unexploded bomblets threaten lives and livelihoods for years afterwards. All governments responsible for using them must urgently provide assistance to clear unexploded munitions.”
Neither the USA nor Yemen has yet signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, a treaty designed to comprehensively ban such weapons which is due to enter into force on 1 August 2010.
A Yemeni parliamentary committee that investigated the 17 December 2009 attack reported in February that 41 people it described as civilians had been killed. In its report the committee said that on arrival at the scene of the attack in al-Ma’jalah it “found that all the homes and their contents were burnt and all that was left were traces of furniture.”
It said the committee “found traces of blood of the victims and a number of holes in the ground left by the bombing… as well as a number of unexploded bombs”, and that one survivor told the committee that his family, who were killed although they had committed no crime, were sleeping when the missiles struck on the morning of 17 December 2009.
In its report, the Yemeni parliamentary committee said the Yemeni government should open a judicial investigation into the attack and bring to justice those responsible for the killings of civilians, but no such investigation is known to have been held as yet.
The committee reported statements by the Abyan Governorate authorities that 14 alleged members of al-Qa’ida were also killed in the attack, but said it had been unable to obtain information confirming this and was able to obtain the name of only one of the 14 from the Abyan authorities.
Image 1, additional details: The Tomahawk BGM-109D cruise missile would have carried 166 BLU 97 cluster bomblets, which are designed to scatter over a wide area, acting indiscriminately when used in civilian areas. Many also fail to explode on impact, as in the photograph above, but may explode if disturbed, making land dangerous for communities to use for months or years after attacks.
12:58 AM
Reduction in UK Defence budget
Warning of 10-15% reduction in defence budget
By James Blitz, Defence and Diplomatic Editor
Published: July 2 2009 03:00 | Last updated: July 2 2009 03:00
Britain's defence budget will be slashed by between 10 and 15 per cent in real terms between 2010 and 2016 as a result of fiscal pressures and the political need to maintain spending on health and education, a leading think-tank will argue today.
In a detailed examination of the constraints facing defence expenditure, the Royal United Services Institute says cuts on this scale - equivalent to a £4bn reduction in the annual budget - are its "best estimate" of the outlook for the Ministry of Defence budget.
As the UK prepares for a Strategic Defence Review, which is likely to begin immediately after the next general election, the RUSI paper "Preparing for the Lean Years" is one of the first to put a hard figure on the scale of the cut the armed forces will face.
Andrew Lansley, the Conservative health spokesman, recently suggested that a Tory commitment to increase resources for the National Health Service would mean other departments could face a 10 per cent reduction in expenditure limits. The RUSI has arrived at a similar figure for the defence budget after examining factors affecting armed forces spending.
The RUSI argues that the government has already determined that a large part of its planned spending cuts in future years will come in the capital budget. This will hit the MoD hard, the institute says, because of all the big departments, defence is one of the most investment-intensive, accounting for 16 per cent of total capital expenditure in 2009-10.
Second, the RUSI argues that history shows that the MoD is unlikely to obtain an overall budgetary settlement comparable to that of most other departments. "This is something which [the MoD] has not been able to achieve since the early 1980s, the high point of concern over renewed Soviet expansionism," writes Professor Malcolm Chalmers, the paper's author.
The RUSI looks at areas where the MoD could find necessary savings.
One idea is to scale down the UK military presence in Afghanistan, where operating costs amounted to £2.6bn in 2008-09. "The conditions for this clearly do not exist at present . . . yet it is a possible source of savings over the years to 2016," the paper says.
Another potentially promising area is pay. In recent years the Armed Forces Pay Review Body has recommended rises significantly above the levels for which the MoD has planned. "Persuading the AFPRB to accept a reversal of this trend could yield significant savings," says the RUSI.
www.ft.com/govspending
.Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2010. You may share using our article tools. Please don't cut articles from FT.com and redistribute by email or post to the web.
By James Blitz, Defence and Diplomatic Editor
Published: July 2 2009 03:00 | Last updated: July 2 2009 03:00
Britain's defence budget will be slashed by between 10 and 15 per cent in real terms between 2010 and 2016 as a result of fiscal pressures and the political need to maintain spending on health and education, a leading think-tank will argue today.
In a detailed examination of the constraints facing defence expenditure, the Royal United Services Institute says cuts on this scale - equivalent to a £4bn reduction in the annual budget - are its "best estimate" of the outlook for the Ministry of Defence budget.
As the UK prepares for a Strategic Defence Review, which is likely to begin immediately after the next general election, the RUSI paper "Preparing for the Lean Years" is one of the first to put a hard figure on the scale of the cut the armed forces will face.
Andrew Lansley, the Conservative health spokesman, recently suggested that a Tory commitment to increase resources for the National Health Service would mean other departments could face a 10 per cent reduction in expenditure limits. The RUSI has arrived at a similar figure for the defence budget after examining factors affecting armed forces spending.
The RUSI argues that the government has already determined that a large part of its planned spending cuts in future years will come in the capital budget. This will hit the MoD hard, the institute says, because of all the big departments, defence is one of the most investment-intensive, accounting for 16 per cent of total capital expenditure in 2009-10.
Second, the RUSI argues that history shows that the MoD is unlikely to obtain an overall budgetary settlement comparable to that of most other departments. "This is something which [the MoD] has not been able to achieve since the early 1980s, the high point of concern over renewed Soviet expansionism," writes Professor Malcolm Chalmers, the paper's author.
The RUSI looks at areas where the MoD could find necessary savings.
One idea is to scale down the UK military presence in Afghanistan, where operating costs amounted to £2.6bn in 2008-09. "The conditions for this clearly do not exist at present . . . yet it is a possible source of savings over the years to 2016," the paper says.
Another potentially promising area is pay. In recent years the Armed Forces Pay Review Body has recommended rises significantly above the levels for which the MoD has planned. "Persuading the AFPRB to accept a reversal of this trend could yield significant savings," says the RUSI.
www.ft.com/govspending
.Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2010. You may share using our article tools. Please don't cut articles from FT.com and redistribute by email or post to the web.
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